2025 Innovation Issue: What’s a startup? Most say it’s a company that’s young, disruptive and scalable
Even seasoned entrepreneurs and business executives have different takes about exactly what constitutes a startup—or at least a successful one.
Small Business
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Guided by canned cocktail success, Hi & Mighty distillery rebrands
The distillery, which previously planned to open a year-round bar at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, now operates as a retail-only concept.
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Opening a record store is next project for Everything, Now! vocalist
Jon Rogers plans to open his shop, Take Care Records, by the summer near the intersection of 62nd Street and Allisonville Road.
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Award-winning pastry chef opens Filigree Bakery shop in Broad Ripple
Known for its macarons and cakes served at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market, Filigree Bakery now has a brick-and-mortar location at 6331 Carrollton Ave.
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Trump moves to gut several agencies focused on museums, libraries, Voice of America
One order signed Friday night calls for the agencies—some of which are focused on minority business enterprises, museum and library services, and homelessness prevention—to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”
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Articles
For pair of crafty firefighters, old hoses provide the spark for something special
Scott Carr and Robert Demlow started Brotherhood Designs by repurposing retired fire hoses into American flags and honoring the legacy of those who have served.
Indianapolis tech startup Ekkobar selected for international sports tech development program
More than 1,600 companies applied for this year’s cohort of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech program, and Ekkobar was the only Midwest-based company chosen.
Small Business Administration to reorganize, cut about 2,700 jobs
The layoffs are part of a larger campaign by the Trump Administration to shrink the federal workforce.
Maven Space to close after relocation plan falls through
Indy Maven Founder Leslie Bailey said in a social media post that unspecified challenges “made it impossible to move forward” with a lease for a new co-working and social hub.
Chicago-based venture firm adds Indianapolis-based partner
Chicago-based M25, a venture firm that invests in early-stage Midwestern tech startups, has named local entrepreneur Brian Powers as its Indianapolis-based venture partner.
Nap or Nothing streetwear shop moves from Mass Ave to Fountain Square
The Nap or Nothing brand associated with T-shirts, hoodies and sweatpants was founded a decade ago by Indianapolis hip-hop artist Maxie.
Autoparts company previously owned by Gov. Mike Braun agrees to settlement in air pollution lawsuit
The Environmental Protection Agency alleged the autoparts supplier sold devices which intentionally violated the federal Clean Air Act.
Nashville distiller says Trump policies may present new opportunities
When the Trump administration announced tariffs on Feb. 1 for most Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods, Hard Truth Distilling Co. co-owner Jeff McCabe was worried but said his Indiana whiskey producer will be fine.
Portage plastics parts maker fears trade ‘chaos’
Konrady Plastics Inc. CEO Leah Konrady says President Trump’s trade proposals are creating uncertainty.
Q&A with entrepreneur Brian Schutt on tariffs: ‘It’s just math’
“I don’t think there’s going to be a company immune to the rising tide of costs.”
Indiana House passes bill to create state agency supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs
House Bill 1172 has broad support from the business community, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Indianapolis-based sweets company shutting down, closing north-side store
Newfangled Confections, which acquired another beloved Indianapolis brand in 2020, is closing operations in late spring, founder Carrie Abbott shared on social media Tuesday.
Growth in Indiana and beyond is blueprint for Black Orchid Barbers
The roster of Black Orchid Barbers locations stands at five in Indianapolis and Carmel, and owner Travis Moore said he’s eager to open shops elsewhere.
Trump issues executive order to suspend TikTok ban. But can it stick?
Business leaders, lawmakers, legal scholars, and influencers who make money on TikTok are watching to see how Trump tries to resolve a thicket of regulatory, legal, financial and geopolitical issues with his signature.
Q&A with Kristin Sherman: Life sciences veteran is fighting for women’s health
Kristin Sherman leads startup Kovina Therapeutics, which is still in the early stages of developing ways to stop human papillomavirus infections before cancer develops and to treat HPV cancers after detection.
Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban
A looming TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to help them grow their business.
Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking ‘cozy’ and ‘festive’ this holiday season
Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago.
Adrienes Flowers & Gifts owners brightened Noblesville
Moffett and Stephen Craig are retiring this month after 35 years of operating Adrienes in a 133-year-old house at 1249 Conner St. just east of the historic courthouse square.
Purposeful Design rebuilds lives as participants build furniture
The east-side company is about to finish 2024 with more than $2.7 million in sales—up from $1.35 million four years ago. By 2026, the business expects sales to reach $3 million.