Meet Your Navigators
What are Ecosystem Navigators?
Sorting through thousands of resources to understand where to start can be overwhelming. But fear not! Our Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Navigators are here to help Indiana founders find the best resource for them. Free of charge, these resource experts can provide personalized guidance to propel Hoosier founders further. Simply click “join now” below to connect with your Navigator today!
Meet Your Navigators
The people behind the mission, dedicated to building a stronger ecosystem.
Grant Sherfick
Region: South Central
Hidden Gems: Jug Rock Preserve (Shoals), Schnitzelbank (Jasper)
Tim Branyan
Region: Hoosier Heartland
Hidden Gem: Old Ben (Kokomo)
Nicole Driscoll
Region: Southeast
Hidden Gems: Schimpff’s Confectionary (Jeffersonville), Georgetown Drive-In (Georgetown), Silver Street Park (New Albany)
Zina Bartle
Region: East Central
Hidden Gems: Cumberland Covered Bridge (Matthews), World’s Largest Ball of Paint (Alexandria), Cardinal Greenways (Marion to Richmond)
Jared Ell
Region: West Central
Hidden Gems: Twelve Points Book Company (Terre Haute), The Truckstop (Terre Haute), Greencastle Square (Greencastle)
Hannah Ollen
Region: North Central
Hidden Gems: Tampico’s Mexican Grill (Mishawaka), Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area (South Bend)
Lynne Koepper
Region: Northeast
Hidden Gems: Thai Garden (Fort Wayne), Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (Fort Wayne)
Eric Beschinski
Region: Northwest
Hidden Gems: Duneland Pizza (Chesterton), Uptown Cafe (Valparaiso)
Sebastian Penix
Region: Central
Hidden Gems: Greek Tony’s Pizza & Sub Shop (Carmel), Traders Point Creamery (Zionsville)
Art McDonald
Region: Southwest
Hidden Gems: Dantae’s Pizza Parlor (Evansville), Frank’s Restaurant (Vincennes), and Evansville African American Museum (Evansville)
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our platform and services.
What can I expect after connecting with a Navigator?
After completing a brief request for assistance survey, your Navigator will schedule a call to learn more about your business and where you are stuck. Following the call, your Navigator will connect you with the best resource to meet your needs. You can forever access communications, connections, files, etc. through your Ecosystem Navigation Case. But the work doesn’t stop there. Your Navigator is forever in your corner. If you get stuck and don’t know where to go, just reconnect with your Navigator through your Case File and they will be ready to help.
Is meeting with a Navigator really free?
Yes! Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Navigators are a free resource provided for all prospective and existing entrepreneurs in Indiana.
How can a Navigator help me?
Think of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Navigators as your concierge to Indiana’s entrepreneur support network. There are thousands of resources in the state, and it can be challenging to know where to start. Your Ecosystem Navigator is the resource expert so you don’t have to be. Your Ecosystem Navigator help cut through the noise and make sure you are connected with the right resource at the right time to meet your needs.
How can I access my Case File?
After requesting Navigator support you will get access to your “Ecosystem Navigation Case”. The Case File is a live record of your interaction with your Navigator. The Case File will be used to schedule meetings, connect you with resources, and share information.
To access your Case File after you have signed up:
1. Login
2. Click on your name in the upper right-hand corner
3. Click “My Ecosystem Navigation Case”
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