gener8tor gBETA Announces New Digital Marketing Program for Indiana Small Businesses
Indianapolis, Ind. – Global venture firm and startup accelerator, gener8tor announced the first cohort of gBETA Digital Marketing for Small Businesses, a new program aimed at encouraging growth in direct-to-consumer businesses across Indiana by leveraging online marketing tools. The gBETA program is sponsored by the Indiana Small Business Development Center, a program of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
After an application and interview process, 10 Indiana-based businesses were selected from more than 50 applications to participate in the first cohort. The 10 businesses represent a diverse mix of products and services and hail from nine different cities across the state. Descriptions of each company are included below.
gBETA is a free accelerator for companies with local roots. Participants receive intensive and individualized coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. Most gBETA programs are designed to help startups become competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or seed investment. In this case, the target scope and curriculum of the program are less focused on investment and more tailored to small businesses with an emphasis on leveraging digital marketing tools and alternative financing to pursue growth.
“Ensuring customers can find your small business online is vital,” said David Watkins, IEDC Vice President of Small Business. “In today’s digital age, building an online brand and presence is essential to keep your business competitive. We are thrilled to partner with gener8tor to create this accelerator in support of Hoosier small businesses as they explore the digital marketing tools available to them.”
The gBETA Digital Marketing for Small Businesses cohort kicked off Aug. 5 and will work with the gener8tor team over the course of seven weeks to meet mentors, gain customer traction and apply digital marketing best practices to facilitate growth. Programming will be held virtually for this cohort to be inclusive of participants from all over the state.
“Bridging the gap between small businesses and high-growth startups is critical to the growth and health of the Indiana economy,” said Elise Young, gBETA Indiana director. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Hoosier community supporting passionate small-business owners that build lasting legacies in our state.”
The program will culminate Sept. 27 with a virtual showcase highlighting each of the 10 companies. This event will be an opportunity for the public to listen and learn more about the businesses and support the innovative community they represent. The community is invited to attend. Fill out this form to RSVP.
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Drift cleans up the cleaning business by producing the most sustainable and effective household cleaners on the market. Intentional consumers make a conscious decision to lower their carbon footprint and ensure a healthy home environment with Drift’s refillable glass spray bottles and carefully curated formulas they can trust. Drift has expanded to four retail locations and has partnered with a number of local businesses throughout central Indiana.
Kelly Conway | driftbotanicals@gmail.com | www.drift-home.com |
Panthera
Candleworks manufactures eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to the home fragrance industry through a range of candle products including our patent-pending biodegradable bamboo candle, clean burning waxes and fragrances, and wooden wicks. Eco-conscious candle lovers can purchase the candle Mother Earth would buy through both e-commerce and retail platforms, including art festivals and trade shows across the midwest. To date, Panthera Candleworks has sold approximately 1,900 units locally and online and is in the process of opening our first build-your-own candle bar location in Columbus, Ind.
Renata Nunez | ceo@pantheracandleworks.com | pantheracandleworks.com
Cute as a Cupcake brings sweet, one-of-a-kind experiences to the world of baked goods through handcrafted cupcakes made available in store or on the go. Cupcake lovers can expect friendly, attentive service that fosters an inclusive environment along with their sweet treat. Cute as a Cupcake has been in operation for seven years as a Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise with a nonprofit division, Cutie Cares, focused on food insecurities and community wellness.
Michelle Wainwright | cupcake@cuteasacupcake3.com | cuteasacupcake3.com
Unabiker Dirt Bike Armor prepares your bike for the full send with protective accessories for off-road motorcycles used in extreme environments. Recreational riders and racers can install Unabiker accessories with no modifications required. Unabiker has made and sold over $3.5M worth of products made in Indiana to customers on six continents.
Brian Bennett | unabiker@gmail.com | unabiker.com
Urban Ktchn will unite the southeast Fort Wayne community with delicious food in a fast-casual restaurant and social space that celebrates diversity through an inviting atmosphere. Urban Ktchn will speak to millennial audiences through convenient digital self-service offerings and promoting conversation in a space to mingle and be entertained. Urban Ktch was awarded up to $150K in grants and wrap-around services through the PASE pitch competition.
Marquessa Ewing | marquessaewing@urbanktchn.com
Aiming Toward College instructs international students on the college admission process in the U.S., including finding the right school, navigating the admission process, finding scholarships, and adapting to a new culture. International high school students use our products and services through our website or meeting one-on-one with an ATC mentor who creates a unique plan tailored towards each student’s goals. Aiming Toward College has supported over 200 students through partnerships with colleges, businesses, international schools, and social media influencers and has a growing team with members in Argentina, Chile, and the U.S.
Arturo Fonseca | fonseca@aimingtc.com | aimingtc.com
SPICEKICK® makes it easy to get healthy, homemade meals on the table in 20 minutes or less with our crave-worthy, gluten-free seasoning mixes free from added sugar and fillers. Time-strapped, health-conscious home cooks can stock up on mixes online and from local retailers and follow the recipe on the back to make a satisfying meal using just a couple on-hand ingredients. SPICEKICK® seasonings are now sold in 15 retail stores and on Amazon.
Michelle Dudash | michelle@spicekick.com | spicekick.com
Bri’s Dance Place teaches life through dance by focusing on age-appropriate choreography, costumes, and music for dancers of all ages, stages, and abilities. Youth and expectant mothers in northwest Indiana visit the studio to experience dance that changes lives and builds community. Past partnerships have brought our pregnancy and new mom classes to new mothers globally, with the potential for online expansion. Bri’s Dance Place was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year through the NW Indiana Small Business Development Center and 100 for 100 Founders of Change through American Express and IFundWomen in recognition of the work we are doing in our community, serving over 2000 families since opening in 2018.
Brianna Hairlson | briannahairlson@gmail.com | brisdanceplace.com
Burke Metal Work designs and manufactures unique metal Christmas ornaments and home decor. Customers choose Burke Metal Work to reflect their interests, activities, and outstanding moments with over 150 original designs and personalization options through several business-to-business and direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales platforms. To date, Burke Metal Work has manufactured and shipped 25,000+ orders to customers both in Canada and nationwide.
Wes & Angie Burke | info@burkemetalwork.com | burkemetalwork.com
Southern Girls Pop crafts high quality, fresh gourmet popcorn in over 80 deliciously fun, addictive flavors that will leave you asking for “More popcorn, please?” Snack lovers can purchase Southern Girls Pop’s healthier snack choices through both wholesale and retail platforms and custom orders. Southern Girls Pop has supplied the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and is a favorite of vocalists Tamala Mann & Anthony Hamilton as well as several NFL players.
Anntwan Wilson | southerngirlspop@gmail.com | southerngirlspop.com
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About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, founders, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022.
About gBETA
gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised $487M+ in capital and created 3,355+ jobs across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit gener8tor.com/gbeta.
About the Indiana Small Business Development Corporation
The Indiana SBDC offers no-cost business advising, training, referrals, and a library of cultivated tools and resources to help businesses, from startup through sale or retirement, succeed.FOr more information, visit isbdc.org.
