Refinery46 Co-Founder to Lead State’s New Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Gov. Mike Braun is officially launching the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to help Main Street entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses to grow Indiana’s economy and support Hoosier workers.

The office will be led by entrepreneur Brian Schutt. Schutt is the co-founder of Indianapolis co-working space and startup incubator Refinery46, as well as the co-founder of Homesense Heating and Cooling.

“Maureen and I lived the American dream of growing Main Street businesses in our hometown, and I want every Hoosier to have that opportunity. Our goal is to make Indiana the best place in the country to start and build your own business, and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation led by Brian Schutt will be a nation-leading resource to help Main Street entrepreneurs,” said Gov. Braun.

Gov. Braun has redirected Indiana’s economic development efforts to focus on supporting Hoosier businesses and workers, and spread the benefits of economic development to all four corners of the state, with two North Star priorities: wage growth and new job opportunities.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will build on those ideas, and take over some entrepreneurship-focused functions from the IEDC such as overseeing certified technology parks.

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.

The office will be under the Department of Commerce, led by Secretary David Adams.