$40K Grant Fuels Business Spark

(Southeastern Indiana) – A new conference is being built to give Southeastern Indiana’s entrepreneurs something rural business owners often struggle to find: useful resources, practical advice and connections close to home.

Genesis: Pathways to Success has received a $40,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Community Collaboration Fund to launch Ignite SEI: Fuel the Small Business Spark.

The regional conference is expected to make its debut in April 2027 in Madison. Registration is scheduled to open in late 2026.

Ignite SEI will bring together small-business owners, startups, aspiring entrepreneurs, community leaders and organizations that provide business assistance. Organizers say the event will address the opportunities and challenges that are especially important to businesses operating in rural communities.

The conference is expected to include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, peer networking, interactive activities and a regional hub where business owners can connect with available resources.

“Ignite SEI was created to help fill those gaps by creating opportunities for inspiration, practical learning and meaningful connections for entrepreneurs across Southeastern Indiana.”

— Lori Rennekamp, Genesis entrepreneurial program coordinator

Rennekamp, a former small-business owner, said she understands how difficult it can be to locate the right resources, build strong professional relationships or simply know where to ask for help.

She said the region becomes stronger when its counties work together, learn from one another and celebrate shared successes.

“My hope is that every attendee leaves energized, connected and equipped with practical tools, meaningful relationships and renewed confidence to grow their business and strengthen our regional economy,” Rennekamp said.

Building a pipeline for entrepreneurs

Ignite SEI will become the latest piece of Genesis’ effort to support entrepreneurs at different stages of development.

The organization also operates the Emerge: Young Innovators Summit, which introduces high school students to entrepreneurship and career opportunities, and the D.I.C.E. Challenge Community Business Pitch Competition, which offers funding and mentorship to emerging businesses.

Together, those programs are intended to support innovators from their earliest ideas through the long-term work of building and expanding a business.

Ignite SEI is being developed with the Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and other regional partners.

Organizers say the conference will highlight Southeastern Indiana success stories while giving attendees strategies and relationships they can use to turn ideas into action.

Genesis: Pathways to Success is an independent nonprofit organization based in Batesville. Its work focuses on career development, youth education and entrepreneurship throughout Southeastern Indiana.