Governor Braun Aims to Make Indiana a Business Startup Leader

Indiana's new Office of Entrepreneurship sparks job growth by cutting red tape and boosting small businesses.

Indiana's new initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship by streamlining business processes. BreakingCentral

Published: July 7, 2025

Written by Molly Dupont

A New Vision for Indiana's Economy

Indiana Governor Mike Braun just rolled out a game-changer for the Hoosier State. His new Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, launched on July 7, 2025, aims to make Indiana the top spot in America for starting a business. This move focuses on empowering real people to build real companies in their hometowns. Braun, a former auto-parts entrepreneur who grew his own firm from 15 to 1,000 employees, knows the grind of Main Street. His plan? Clear the path for others to follow.

The office, backed by Senate Enrolled Act 516, consolidates small-business programs, speeds up permitting, and opens doors to capital. With Brian Schutt, an Indianapolis entrepreneur, at the helm, the state is betting on local know-how over bureaucratic overreach. Indiana already ranks second nationally for ease of starting a business, and this initiative could push it to the top. The goal is clear: empower job creators to shape the future.

Why Local Entrepreneurs Matter

Small businesses are the backbone of Indiana's economy, employing 1.2 million Hoosiers across 569,000 firms. These businesses include family-owned shops, tech startups, and rural ventures. Research shows young firms drive nearly all net job growth, and every 1 percent increase in a state's entrepreneurship rate cuts poverty by 2 percent. Indiana's focus on Main Street taps into this proven engine of prosperity.

Braun's office prioritizes practical steps: fewer regulations, faster approvals, and more access to private capital. The Legend Fund, for instance, channels $29 million to underserved businesses while leveraging private investment. This approach trusts entrepreneurs to innovate without government micromanaging their every move. It's a model that respects the hustle of Hoosiers who build from the ground up.

Cutting Red Tape, Not Corners

Bureaucracy often strangles small businesses before they can thrive. Indiana's new office tackles this head-on by streamlining licensing and permitting. Senate Enrolled Act 516 creates a single 'front door' for entrepreneurs, cutting through the maze of state programs. This initiative aims to get government out of the way so businesses can grow.

Historical precedent backs this up. Since 2005, Indiana's pro-business policies, starting with Governor Mitch Daniels' creation of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, have drawn investment and jobs. Braun's initiative builds on that legacy, shifting focus from megaprojects to small firms. By making research-and-development tax credits refundable and expanding property-tax deductions for new equipment, the state incentivizes growth without ballooning budgets.

Balancing Opportunity With Accountability

Not everyone's sold on the plan. Some worry tax credits could strain public funds or that grants might favor well-connected firms. Past scandals, like self-dealing at Elevate Ventures, fuel skepticism about business incentives. Braun's response? A forensic audit of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and a new board to tighten oversight. These steps aim to ensure taxpayer dollars deliver results and prevent cronyism.

The office also faces pressure to balance urban and rural needs. Rural communities, hungry for diversification, stand to gain from broadband expansion and coworking spaces. Meanwhile, urban tech startups need venture capital and talent pipelines. By coordinating with universities and local chambers, the office can tailor support to diverse regions while keeping job creation first.

A Blueprint for the Nation

Indiana's move comes at a pivotal moment. Six other states launched similar offices between 2023 and 2024, signaling a national shift toward entrepreneurship. With the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress set to spotlight Indiana, the state has a chance to lead. Braun's office, funded with up to $30 million annually, blends public grants with private capital, a hybrid model that maximizes impact while minimizing waste.

The evidence is compelling: programs like the Indiana Technical Assistance Program, offering up to $15,000 in services, boost business survival rates by 8 to 12 percent. By prioritizing low costs, predictable rules, and local talent, Indiana could outpace coastal states bloated by red tape. This initiative focuses on setting trends.

Building a Legacy of Prosperity

Indiana's bet on entrepreneurs is a bold step toward lasting prosperity. By empowering Main Street over bureaucratic sprawl, the state honors the ingenuity of its people. The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation represents a promise to every Hoosier with a dream and a plan.

Challenges remain. Measuring success demands clear metrics on job growth, wages, and business survival. Coordination between state agencies, universities, and local leaders will be key. The foundation is strong: a leader who's walked the path, a plan grounded in results, and a state ready to compete.

As Indiana charts this course, it offers a lesson for America. Trust entrepreneurs, clear obstacles, and let markets work. The Hoosier State is proving that when government steps back, its people step up.