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Every Wednesday, Fort Wayne Business Journal is going to start posting Fort Wayne To-do, Events, and Happenings that will be taking place on the weekends hosted by our Local Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and the City of Fort Wayne! Fort Wayne Happenings this Weekend August 4th-6th 2023 YMCA Summer Shindig| Friday Dragon Boat Races| Friday, Saturday FWCS Block Party| Saturday Sunday Makebreak: Fidget Bugs| Sunday If you have a weekend event and would like to share it, email us! fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

As many have noticed on sites and applications like Nextdoor, Facebook, and even communal bulletin boards the gig economy is experiencing a remarkable surge during the summer season. From lawn care and pressure washing to pet and house sitting, as well as food and grocery delivery services, the gig economy thrives during this time as individuals seize opportunities to capitalize on the opportunities of the summer season. Opportunities in Landscaping Landscaping, gardening, and other related services are in high demand as homeowners and businesses seek to maintain and enhance appeal to their property. This surge in demand has created opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, especially students on summer break, to take advantage of this need by providing lawn care services. These entrepreneurs possess the enthusiasm, energy, and attention to detail required for running a lawn care business. Their commitment to delivering quality service often attracts a loyal customer base. Care Providers for Homes, Pets, and Children Families and pet owners often find themselves in need of dependable individuals who can provide trustworthy care for their homes, beloved animals, and children when they are away. The gig economy accommodates this need by providing platforms and networks that connect gig workers with those seeking reliable and responsible care providers. This arrangement benefits both parties, as homeowners and parents can enjoy their vacations with peace of mind, while gig workers gain income and valuable experience. Convenient Food and Grocery Delivery The convenience of food and grocery delivery has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly during the summer months. With the rise of online ordering platforms and mobile apps, individuals can easily access a variety of local favorites without having to leave their home. Gig workers embrace this opportunity by joining delivery service platforms such as DoorDash, GrubHub, and Instacart, offering flexible hours and the chance to earn income based on the number of deliveries completed. By joining delivery service platforms, these gig workers contribute to the growing sector, satisfying the desire for convenient and fast food and grocery delivery. Gig Economy's Appeal The gig economy's expansion can also be attributed to evolving work culture and preferences. Many individuals now seek more autonomy and flexibility in their professional lives, preferring to work on their own terms rather than traditional employment schedules. The gig economy allows them to control their schedules, choose the type of work they prefer, and balance work-life commitments more effectively. Moreover, gig jobs often provide opportunities for individuals to explore their passions, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain valuable experience in various industries. The gig economy is undergoing a huge seasonal growth spurt, with outdoor work, pet and house sitting/child care, and food delivery services playing pivotal roles in its expansion. The summer season, with its unique demands and changing consumer behaviors, offers a perfect environment for gig workers to seek employment. As the gig economy continues to evolve, it presents a promising landscape for both workers and customers, reshaping traditional notions of employment and empowering individuals to forge their own paths towards professional fulfillment.

The highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is just around the corner, and soccer enthusiasts all over the globe are eagerly awaiting the start of this prestigious tournament. Jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this ninth edition of the Women's World Cup promises to be a memorable event for both players and fans alike. The tournament, eagerly anticipated by soccer fans worldwide, is scheduled to take place from July 20th to August 20th, 2023. An exciting development is the expansion of the tournament. Previously featuring 24 teams, the 2023 edition will witness the participation of 32 teams, mirroring the format of the Men's World Cup in 2022. This expansion offers an opportunity for more nations to showcase their talent on the global stage, making the tournament even more competitive and thrilling. For fans supporting the United States, there are several exciting matches to look forward to. The USA team will face Vietnam on Friday , July 21st at 9 pm. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday , July 26th also at 9 pm. The final group stage match for the USA team will be against Portugal on Tuesday August 1st, at the early hour of 3 am. These matches will be crucial for the USA as they aim to showcase their dominance on the world stage. The second round will be announced at the end of the first round! Throughout the tournament, several bars in the vicinity will be broadcasting the games, providing fans with a lively atmosphere to enjoy the action with fellow supporters. Whether you prefer a sports bar, a cozy pub, or a trendy lounge, there will be plenty of options available to suit your preferences. Make sure to check with local establishments or visit their websites to find out which venues will be showing the Women's World Cup matches and plan your viewing accordingly. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the passion and skill of female soccer players from around the world. As fans eagerly await the kick-off, the joint hosting by Australia and New Zealand and the highly competitive matches ensure that this tournament will captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of players. Get ready to be amazed by the world's best female soccer athletes as they showcase their talents on the grandest stage of all! Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com for any questions or suggestions. Let us know how we can improve on our articles or service. Local business owners' stories are coming soon. You won't want to miss it. Stay tuned to find out.

Chelsea Vona is a Fort Wayne entrepreneur making a name for herself in the yoga world. The owner of Discover Yoga, a popular yoga studio downtown, Chelsea has helped countless individuals find balance, focus, and inner peace through yoga. With her passion for success and dedication to yoga, Chelsea has become a tremendous role model for aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and yogis alike. We will explore Chelsea's journey as an entrepreneur and how her love for yoga has significantly impacted her success. Chelsea Vona was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan; when she was six months old, her family decided to move to Fort Wayne. As a child, she attended Wars Elementary, the Fort Wayne Community School districts Theatre Arts Magnet School, a part of the Summit Arts Program. In kindergarten, Chelsea was in her school's ballet class. Unfortunately, the school was shut down due to funding issues, and all the students, including Chelsea, were transferred to Weisser Park. She continued to dance throughout her school years, primarily with LA Dance Studio, with her favorite dance styles being Jazz and Hip Hop. She graduated from Homestead High School but went to South Side High School for most of her high school years. She was so proud to talk to us about how wonderful going to South Side was and how grateful she was to be a part of such a diversified community. After high school, Chelsea went to Columbia College in Chicago for a year before making the difficult decision to move back to Fort Wayne. Chelsea was struggling with finding her place in this world; she didn't exactly know what she wanted to do for a career or who she wanted to be just yet, so she did a lot of soul-searching for the next six years. She was a waitress at a few different restaurants throughout this time until one day, in 2010, during a vacation trip at her family's home in Pensacola, Florida, she discovered yoga. When we asked Chelsea why she decided to try yoga for the first time, she told us she's always wanted to try it. When she was very young, her sister passed away, and with this trauma, her father found spirituality which over time helped him heal, and throughout the next few years, Chelsea would find her spirituality as well. Her spirituality is what guided her to try yoga. Once she discovered the wonders of yoga, she incorporated a lot more order and structure into her life and learned how to process past traumas and deal with things better when life gets a bit chaotic. Yoga helped her in so many different areas of her life that she decided to get certified in March 2015 through Prana Yoga, a local Fort Wayne yoga institution. From there, she continued to study and today holds five certifications in yoga, including; a 300-hour certificate, yoga for 12-step recovery certification, which is a modern approach to meshing the 12 steps and yoga together to help those struggling with addiction to blend their mind and body together to help with total body healing. She is also certified in barre and fitness, and all of these certifications are reflected in her classes. Chelsea also joins in on training classes to ensure she is always learning to be the best instructor to her clients. When Chelsea first got certified, she started her career teaching at Prana Yoga for five years and then taught at Rebel Yoga (now collective wellness) for two years. In June of 2021, she led her first class on her own at a pop-up location, and in March 2022, she opened her own studio, Discover Yoga, located within the historic Bell Mansion at 420 West Wayne Street. Chelsea currently has seven instructors, including herself, running classes every day of the week, primarily during the evenings and weekends. They also offer morning classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She is currently working at her full-time job, but every day she is working hard to be able to leave that and focus primarily on Discover Yoga full-time. She shared that the most challenging part of running her own business is learning proper time management. She has experienced extreme burnout and is trying to learn how to listen to her body and take breaks when needed. She said something to us that we believe hits home for many entrepreneurs: "As a yoga teacher, to be able to hold space for everyone else, you have to be able to hold space for yourself." As entrepreneurs, we all try to do everything, even if that means not sleeping or taking breaks when we desperately need them. Eventually, it all catches up to us, so we need to make sure we are creating space for ourselves so we can continue to give space to other things while ensuring were showing up as the best versions of ourselves." When we discussed the hopes for Discover Yoga's future, Chelsea said her dream for the business would be to stay at their home base at 420 West Wayne Street. She loves being downtown; she loves the direction DTFW is going with all the new buildings and storefronts coming up, all the local shops and restaurants, and the overall atmosphere of being in the area. So the goals now are to grow their clientele and expand their class schedule. She would love to incorporate more classes geared towards workshops and teacher training to get more into the educational side of yoga. She would also like to add classes with a heavy focus on wellness and mental health to help others experiencing hard times and needing help managing it all. She said, "My main goal is to help people find peace with life. I don't feel like joy and happiness are always consistent; hard times come and go, so it's about learning to live with the flow of life and finding balance and peace, and yoga is what has helped me with that. I really like helping people find their best selves." Chelsea is so passionate about helping people and teaching them how to really show up not only for others but primarily for themselves. She loves teaching yoga and sharing everything she has learned throughout her career in the industry. If you have ever been interested in taking a class or would like to learn more about Discover Yoga, visit their website at discoveryogafw.com for a complete list of class schedules, pricing and packages, and upcoming events. Fort Wayne Business Journal Sign up to learn more about Fort Wayne businesses mail us at 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, 46804

Jefferson Pointe, Fort Wayne's beloved shopping mall, was recently struck by an unfortunate incident as the iconic Jefferson Pointe Fountain suffered vandalism, leaving it in ruins. The fountain, an integral part of the mall's identity and a centerpiece of community gatherings has sparked feelings of nostalgia and excitement for years. This article delves into the history behind the Jefferson Pointe Fountain, explores the recent incident, and contemplates what the future might hold for this cherished landmark. The Jefferson Pointe Fountain has been an enduring fixture in the hearts of Fort Wayne residents since its donation and unveiling in August 2001. The fountain was not merely a water feature but a symbol of unity and entertainment. Nestled in the center of the mall, it played a vital role in the shopping experience, captivating visitors with its mesmerizing displays of water and music. However, the recent act of vandalism left the Jefferson Pointe Fountain in a state of disarray. According to Wane 15, a 15-year-old boy accompanied by a 16-year-old girl, inspired by the recent Spider-Man movie, was actively climbing the fountain when it unexpectedly collapsed. Although the incident resulted in minor injuries to the boy, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences that can arise from thoughtless actions. Learn more at: Fort Wayne News & Weather | Fort Wayne, IN | WANE 15 Looking toward the future, Jefferson Pointe Fountain remains uncertain but bright. The restoration process will require careful planning, expertise, and financial resources. While it may take time to revive the fountain to its former glory, the community is determined to see it restored. The Jefferson Pointe Fountain, once a symbol of unity and a centerpiece of entertainment, may have been wrecked by an unfortunate incident. However, its legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of the community. As Jefferson Pointe and Fort Wayne rally together to restore this cherished landmark, the future holds the promise of a renewed fountain that will continue to inspire joy, wonder, and a sense of togetherness for generations to come. Fort Wayne Business Journal New Fort Wayne Entrepreneur & Business Owner Stories are on the way! Check back in and find out who’s Local Business is next, you don't want to miss!

Promenade Park, nestled in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a vibrant and picturesque urban oasis that offers visitors a retreat from bustling city life. With its meticulously designed landscapes, enchanting waterways, and a host of engaging activities, Promenade Park has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. A Fort Wayne Riverfront Gem Situated along the banks of the St. Marys River, Promenade Park provides a stunning backdrop of natural beauty. The park spans over 4 acres and features a picturesque riverwalk that meanders through the park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the water and surrounding landscapes. The meticulous design and careful attention to detail make it an inviting space for relaxation and recreation. Promenade Park Engaging Features Promenade Park boasts a range of amenities and attractions that cater to diverse interests. One of its prominent features is a large, interactive fountain that not only captivates visitors with its displays but also serves as a splash pad during the warm summer months. Additionally, the park offers a state-of-the-art amphitheater, providing a venue for live performances, concerts, and community events. Visitors can also explore various art installations scattered throughout the park, adding an element of culture and creativity to the experience. Recreation and Entertainment For those seeking outdoor activities, Promenade Park offers an array of recreational opportunities. The park features kayak and canoe launches, enabling visitors to embark on leisurely river excursions and enjoy the scenic beauty from a different perspective. Walking and biking trails wind through the park, inviting individuals to take a stroll or bike ride while taking in the tranquil surroundings. A large park for children to play at with unique jungle gyms and musical installments. In addition, the park hosts a range of community events, including yoga classes, fitness programs, and seasonal celebrations, providing ample opportunities for socializing and engaging in healthy activities. Culinary Delights Fort Wayne's vibrant culinary scene offers an array of excellent dining options nearby. Just a short distance from the park, visitors can find charming cafes, bistros, and restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Additionally, food trucks often make appearances near the park, serving up a delectable array of street food specialties. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, the surrounding area provides plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Community and Connectivity Promenade Park serves as a hub for community gatherings and events, fostering a sense of togetherness among Fort Wayne residents. Its central location in downtown Fort Wayne makes it easily accessible to both residents and visitors, creating a sense of connectivity within the city. The park's design incorporates ample seating areas, picnic spots, and open spaces, encouraging social interaction and creating a welcoming atmosphere for individuals of all ages. Promenade Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to providing residents and visitors with a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience. With its scenic riverfront views, engaging features, recreational activities, delectable dining options, and community-oriented ambiance, Promenade Park has rightfully earned its reputation as a premier destination in Fort Wayne. So, whether you seek relaxation, entertainment, or a taste of the vibrant local culture, a visit to Promenade Park is sure to leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return. Next Fort Wayne Entrepreneur story Josh and Lindsey: J and L Pickin' Patch

How Josh McNeal's passion for growing vegetables, Lindsey McNeal's love for all things fall and christmas, and their beautiful wedding would inspire them to create Fort Wayne's very own picking patch on their 75-acre farm. Josh and Lindsey McNeal grew up right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They met in 2007, and at that time, Josh was working a full-time job as the Director of Operations for a large franchise, and Lindsey was a full-time Sales Manager. Neither ever imagined they would become farmers and start their own company, at least not until the opportunity presented itself, but we'll get there. First, we'll need to go back to when Josh was a child; he spent much of his time at his grandparent's farm in the summer months with his brother, swimming in the pool and running around the fields. The farm had been in his family for generations. Still, by the time he was old enough to start helping out and learning about everything that goes into maintaining 75 acres of land, his grandparents had started renting out space to other local farmers to grow their crops. Although Josh never had the chance to learn a lot about growing crops as a child, when he and Lindsey purchased a home with 2 acres of land, they decided to start growing a garden. Throughout that time, Josh became very interested in the concept of market gardening, which is growing fresh fruits and vegetables in a small space but still producing a lot of produce. Then in 2017, Josh and Lindsey were presented with the opportunity to purchase his grandparent's farm and become the 5th generation owner. After many discussions, they decided to make the leap from their current 2-acre micro farm to the beautiful, multigenerational, 75-acre farm off Nuttman Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After taking ownership of the property in 2017, they needed to do a total remodel on their home. Still, over the next couple of years, while their house was being renovated, they spent every weekend at the farm working in the fields, preparing it for when they moved in. Over time, they have discussed several ideas about what to do with the property, from growing a U-pick blueberry patch, showcasing their love for going to Michigan together to a local farm, bringing the berries home, and making jam together. To talking about growing apple trees, from Josh's experiences as a teen working at an apple orchard. But soon, they settled on three main things; growing pumpkins and christmas trees for Lindsey's love of Fall and Christmas and planting vegetables to continue Josh's passion for growing produce. So they planted a few acres of pumpkins, various christmas trees such as furs and scotch pines, and an array of vegetables. In the fall, even though they were not living in their home yet, they decided they wanted to start selling their pumpkins. They wanted to start gaining the experience of selling what they were producing on their farm. Since they didn't have the ability to have someone physically there to help customers, they chose to handle things based on an honor system. This method is done by trusting the honesty, honor, and integrity of others to follow the rules and regulations set by the owners without supervision. This process went well for them, so they continued to do it over the next few years until they could officially move in. In 2018, Josh and Lindsey got married at their farm, surrounded by a 2-acre sunflower field and decorated with various flower arrangements selected from the flower fields they grew that summer. On the weekends they'd spend at the farm before their wedding, they noticed that a lot of people were randomly pulling over onto their property to take pictures within the sunflower fields. Seeing this gave Josh and Lindsey the idea to add a u-pick flower arrangements experience to the business. So, over the next few years, they continued to grow and expand their flower fields to prepare for this new service once they opened to the public. In 2020, Josh and Lindsey moved into their home and officially opened J&L Pickin' Patch. When we spoke with Josh, we asked if they were ever nervous about opening their land to the public, and he told us, "Yeah, I mean, whenever you invite the general public to your property, there are certain concerns and liabilities that come with that. Thankfully Indiana is a good state for agro-tourism businesses. There are laws in place to protect us as long as we are not being negligent and we are always ensuring the safety of everyone on the property." He continued, saying, "We were also worried that word would travel too quickly, and we would become one of the horror stories you hear about in other places that open flower fields. The ones that unexpectedly have tons of people showing up and cars lining the streets, causing the police to come out and help manage the traffic. It's just Lindsey and I working the stands, so we wouldn't have been able to manage hundreds of people at once." Thankfully that didn't happen to them; they opened their business and were able to manage the steady flow of people coming to visit and pick their flowers. So far, since they've been open, their biggest challenge has been primarily due to the weather. When it is raining, they're unable to open, and if it rains too much, they have to wait for the ground to dry out a bit because it creates a risk of people getting hurt or cars getting stuck. So right now, it's all about finding a balance and developing ways to remain consistent with the public so everyone knows when they will be open. Over the last few years, Josh and Lindsey have been steadily growing, learning, and innovating. It's still just the two of them managing everything, but as they continue to grow, they hope to offer employment opportunities to the community one day. J&L Pickin' Patch is almost ready to open for the 2023 season! They hope to have their finalized hours ready by mid-July. The best way to know when they are officially open and see their hours is through their social media pages @JandLPickinPatch. At the start of the season, they will have the U-pick flower fields and some vegetables available for purchase! They will be open mostly on evenings and weekends but plan to drastically increase their hours once the pumpkins come out in September. Once the fall season hits, they will be open most weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday through the end of October for people to select pumpkins and continue taking pictures in the sunflower fields. Although the Christmas trees have been growing since 2017, They will not be ready for purchase for a few more years. They've been growing steadily at about a foot per year, but Josh is confident they'll be ready within the next 3-4 years. As for pricing, vegetables will be sold individually or by container ranging from $0.50-$5.00. The flowers are sold based on the size of the Small, Medium, and Large picking containers, ranging from $15.00 to $40.00. For those interested in walking through the flower fields, there is a $5 admission fee, but it is free for children four and under. If you would like to hire a photographer for professional photos, you will need to rent out the space. Josh and Lindsey have worked very hard to design the land to create beautiful backdrops for people to do this, so they highly encourage photographers to utilize this opportunity and contact them for dates and pricing inquiries. Pumpkins and gourds are charged by size ranging from $.50-$20, and the giant pumpkins are priced by weight on the date of purchase. They accept cash, all major credit/debit cards, and Apple, Google, and Samsung pay. As for the Future of J&L Pickin' Patch, they're excited to start offering christmas trees within the next few years and hope to one day add activities to their fall experience. Entrepreneur Josh and Lindsey have created a new Fort Wayne destination for locals and tourists visiting our city. It's only a short distance away from downtown, so it's easy to intertwine this destination into a date night or to get the family out to create new memories that'll last a lifetime. Find the time this summer and fall to go out to J&L Pickin' Patch, located at 3522 Nuttman Ave, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to experience it for yourself! Check out their website at jandlpickinpatch.com to find their hours, FAQ page, list of items for sale throughout the season, and much more. Fort Wayne Business Journal If you're an entrepreneur with a story, email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Many people start their careers without the intention of becoming a business owner. Until one day, when the opportunity presents itself, they decide to take the leap and follow a new path. This was true for Pamela, owner of Hair Today off Jefferson Blvd. Pamela Zehr (Gephart) grew up in Fort Wayne and is a Carroll High School alumni. Throughout high school, she was a part of the band playing the clarinet. After graduation, she immediately went to beauty school at Rudae’s and received her cosmetology license in 2002. Ready to start her career as a stylist, she set out to find a salon and came across an ad in the newspaper for Hair Today. She was able to lock in an interview and get the job! Throughout the next few years, she never imagined that she would own her own business. She loved what she did and intended to stay a stylist until she had a family of her own and could stay home with her children. One day, Charlie, the founder of Hair Today, who started the company in 1965, mentioned he was considering selling the business. This sparked something in Pam she never thought of before. She loved Hair Today, the salon, the company Charlie created, the people working there, and their clientele. She knew she didn’t want anything to happen to it or for it to disappear and become an entirely different business, so she told Charlie whenever the day came that he was ready to sell, she wanted to buy it. She wanted to preserve his legacy and carry it forward. Pam married and had two boys over the next few years, but her mind never changed; she wanted to buy the company. When the time came that Charlie was finally ready to sell, on October 1st, 2022, Pam became the new proud owner of Hair Today. Since she’s taken over ownership, things have been relatively smooth. Charlie is still around, so she has a great mentor to ask questions and bounce ideas off whenever she needs to. She has plans to paint the salon soon and hopefully update other things throughout the next few years. She still intends to keep the same vibe and culture within the salon. During our conversation, she said, “We want people to know that you can come in and feel welcomed. We can do trendy things as well as do things that are outside the box. We want people to know that we’re not stuck in the 2000s. We are ready to move forward but will always maintain that welcoming family environment.” Hair Today has six stylists who have worked together for over seven years. Pam says everyone that works there is like family. They’ve all attended many hair expos together, and some have been working side by side for over a decade. All the stylists strive to stay “in the know” of all the trending hairstyles and color palettes, and they’re trained to cut, style, and color hair for all ages. They will soon be on the hunt for new stylists to join their team, so if you or someone you know wants to be a part of this growing business and join the Hair Today family, keep an eye out for the job listing! When we asked Pam what the most challenging part of transitioning into this new role was, she said it was learning to balance her time between being behind the chair for her clients, doing the back-end work for the business, and spending time with her family. What she enjoys most about becoming a business owner is seeing the numbers daily, ordering products, and learning all the behind-the-scenes roles required of business owners when she’s not behind the chair. Pam is passionate about Hair Today, her employees, and their clients. She is ready to continue the legacy and welcome anyone who enters their doors. If you or anyone you know needs a fresh haircut, new hair color, or cute style for a special event, check out Hair Today at 3942 W Jefferson Blvd or call them at (260)432-2269 to book an appointment; all of their stylists would love to help you! Fort Wayne Business Journal 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is emerging as a vibrant hub for startups and entrepreneurial endeavors. With a thriving startup ecosystem and a range of educational opportunities, the city is fostering the growth of innovative businesses. This article explores the educational landscape at the high school and college levels, highlights business funding options, and showcases key websites that contribute to Fort Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit. Educational Opportunities: Equipping Students for Success Even at the high school level, Fort Wayne offers an array of business classes designed to equip students with practical knowledge and skills. These classes include Personal Financial Responsibility, Social Media Marketing, Introduction to Accounting, Business Math, Principles of Business Management, Marketing Fundamentals, and Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Through these courses, students gain a solid foundation in key business disciplines, setting the stage for future entrepreneurial pursuits. Nurturing Future Business Leaders: Fort Wayne's Esteemed Educational Institutions Fort Wayne boasts several esteemed educational institutions that provide exceptional business programs. These colleges equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Institutions such as Indiana Tech, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and the University of Saint Francis offer comprehensive business curricula, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences. These programs often incorporate internships, networking opportunities, and mentoring to provide students with real-world exposure. Fueling Startup Success: Funding Options for Fort Wayne Entrepreneurs Securing funding is a crucial factor in the success of startups, and Fort Wayne presents a range of opportunities for entrepreneurs to access financial support. Noteworthy organizations like CDCNEIN and Elevate Ventures play active roles in the funding landscape. CDCNEIN offers alternative financing options tailored to small business owners, while Elevate Ventures provides investments and valuable resources to high-growth startups. Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its localized resources, including the sba.gov website, serve as valuable hubs of information, providing insights into funding opportunities, loans, and grants. Connect, Collaborate, Succeed: Key Websites Empowering Fort Wayne's Entrepreneurs ● Start Fort Wayne (startfortwayne.com): A prominent business incubator offering flexible coworking spaces, networking opportunities, and access to professionals from various industries. ● NIIC (niic.net): The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, providing support, mentoring, and a range of resources specifically tailored to startups, with a focus on technology commercialization and business incubation. ● CDCNEIN (cdcnein.org): Offers alternative financing options to small business owners, actively contributing to Fort Wayne's funding landscape. ● Elevate Ventures (elevateventures.com): A venture capital group in Indiana that supports high-growth startups through investments and resources. ● Small Business Administration (SBA) (sba.gov): Provides valuable information about funding opportunities, loans, and grants, supporting entrepreneurs through their localized resources, including the sba.gov website. Thriving Ecosystem: Fort Wayne's Recipe for Startup Success Fort Wayne's startup ecosystem is thriving, thanks to a combination of educational opportunities, funding options, and supportive websites. High schools in the region provide students with essential business knowledge, while local colleges offer robust business programs to nurture future entrepreneurs. Funding organizations like CDCNEIN and Elevate Ventures support startups, while websites like Start Fort Wayne and NIIC provide invaluable resources and connections. As Fort Wayne continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, the city's startup ecosystem is poised for continued growth and success. Next Entrepreneur Story On The Way! Check out Fort Wayne Discover Yoga, Chelsea Vona. Learn how she got started in her entrepreneurial journey! Chelsea Vona - Discover Yoga If you have a entrepreneurial story email us! fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com 6435 W Jefferson # 157, Fort Wayne 46804

Get ready for the shopping event of the year as the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale returns to the prestigious Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this highly anticipated sale is back and better than ever. Fashion enthusiasts from near and far will gather at this iconic venue from Wednesday, June 14, to Sunday, June 18, for an unparalleled shopping experience. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the coliseum will be transformed into a shopper's paradise, offering up to 70% off retail prices on Vera Bradley handbags, purses, totes, luggage, stationary, and accessories. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant designs, exceptional discounts, and a captivating atmosphere as you indulge in the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Navigating Access to the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale Wednesday, June 14th 2023, to Friday, June 16th 2023, attendees can enjoy four shopping sessions daily, each spanning two and a half hours. The schedule for the ticketed sessions is as follows: 1. Session 1: 7:30 am – 10 am 2. Session 2: 11 am – 1:30 pm 3. Session 3: 2:30 pm – 5 pm 4. Session 4: 6 pm – 8:30 pm Non-Ticketed Sessions On Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, the sale opens up to the public without the need for tickets. During these two days, shoppers can explore the event from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. It's important to note that arriving early is recommended to secure the best selection of products. Convenient Options for Parking For visitors arriving by car, the General Lot offers convenient parking at a rate of $8.00 per vehicle, regardless of free admission days. Please note that there are no in/out privileges with this parking option. Buses or RVs have designated parking available for $16.00. If you prefer a more accessible parking option, the Preferred Parking lot, located east of the Paul Shaffer Drive traffic light, is available for $12.00 per vehicle. Please ensure that you have cash on hand, as only cash payments are accepted. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) To make your shopping experience at the Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale even more enjoyable, here are some answers to frequently asked questions: What products will be available? The Sale offers a treasure trove of primarily retired and overstock items. You'll find yourself perusing row after row of thousands of fantastic finds, including handbags, travel items, accessories, and more, all at unbeatable prices. The element of surprise adds to the excitement of discovering hidden gems among the vast selection. Have to purchase a ticket? Tickets are required for the first three days of the Sale, from Wednesday, June 14, to Friday, June 16. However, the Sale opens to the public without the need for tickets on the last two days, Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18. It is advisable to plan your visit early in the week to have access to the widest range of products. Is food and drink available? Concessions are available for purchase at several locations within the venue. Whether you need a quick snack to refuel or a refreshing beverage to keep you energized throughout your shopping spree, there will be options to cater to your needs. Is there a shopping limit at the Outlet Sale? To ensure fairness and accommodate all shoppers, there is a shopping limit of $3,500 per person for the duration of the Annual Outlet Sale. It is important to note that this limit applies to the entire event and not on a daily basis. Upon arrival, you will be provided with a shopping bag to use throughout your time at the Sale. However, please refrain from bringing outside shopping carts, bags, or rolling shopper totes, as they are not permitted within the venue. Prepare to indulge in a shopping experience like no other at the highly anticipated Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With its iconic designs, and unbeatable prices, this event has become a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts and Vera Bradley fans alike. From ticketed sessions for early access to non-ticketed days open to the public, the Sale offers something for everyone. With thousands of retired and overstock items, including handbags, travel essentials, and accessories, shoppers can uncover hidden treasures at up to 70% off retail prices. Mark your calendars and join fellow fashion enthusiasts for a shopping extravaganza that will leave you captivated by the vibrant world of Vera Bradley. For more information: Annual Outlet Sale – Vera Bradley Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157, Fort Wayne 46804 Our newsletter will keep you informed on Fort Wayne entrepreneur stories and upcoming events near you.