Governor Braun Launches Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Support Main Street Small Business
The Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is established by IC 4-3-28. Consistent with IC 4.3.28.1, OEI serves as a support organization for support organizations—strengthening the systems, partners, and infrastructure that directly serve entrepreneurs across Indiana.
- Develop and administer programs that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business growth
- Coordinate and align state agencies, ecosystem partners, and funded entities
- Strengthen the capacity of Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs)
- Expand access to resources, particularly in rural and underserved communities
- Establish clear metrics and data systems to evaluate outcomes
- Foster entrepreneurship education across K-12 and higher education
- Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset—testing, learning, and adapting
The vision of the office is to see Indiana as the best place in the United States to start, grow, and exit a business, supported by a highly connected, data-driven, and entrepreneurially minded ecosystem. This includes an active statewide network that supports small and medium-sized businesses—from pre-start through growth and post-exit—while encouraging creative and local investment that keeps Hoosier capital circulating within Indiana communities.
The office’s primary directives are to:
- Develop and administer programs to support the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in Indiana.
- Direct and oversee programs and sources of funding related to the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation in Indiana.
- Strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Indiana.
- Coordinate with state agencies and other state-funded entities to align services and programs related to entrepreneurship and starting and scaling a business.
- Work with funded entities to measure funds reaching rural communities, and work with stakeholders and organizations to provide technical support and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across Indiana.
- Develop and administer programs to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship, including supporting students and teachers in fostering entrepreneurial skills.
Statements of Support from the Business Community
"As President of a small aerospace and defense manufacturing company, I appreciate that Governor Braun comes from a business background rather than a career in politics. He understands the real-world challenges small businesses face and has taken meaningful action to reduce barriers, encourage growth, and support innovation in our industry. His leadership is exactly what small business leaders need to succeed.” — Johnny Goode, MSP Manufacturing
“Governor Braun’s commitment to Main Street and entrepreneurship reflects the values that built Indiana—faith, family, hard work, and stewardship. At AutoRenu, we’ve grown not through venture capital but through community, consistency, and conviction. The new Office of Entrepreneurship is a powerful invitation to everyday Hoosiers: your dream is valid, your roots matter, and innovation belongs to you. We’re honored to support this vision and help model what values-based, technology-enabled entrepreneurship can look like in Indiana.” — Ed Wooley, Auto Renu
"As an entrepreneur in a rural community, the creation of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a powerful catalyst for renewing Indiana’s business landscape. By centralizing resources and support, this initiative will accelerate economic growth while empowering small businesses and driving innovation across communities throughout Indiana. I look forward to seeing how this will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs like me and strengthen the future of our local economies.” — Logan Overman, Vertiponix Farms