Additional funding from IEDC will enable the organization to hold Statewide Roadshow, working with small businesses throughout Indiana.
(Carmel, IN August 20, 2024) – The Defense Innovation Networking Group (D!NG) is proud to be the recipient of (another) $40,000 grant from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). The funds from the Community Collaboration Fund (CCF) will be used to allow D!NG to hit the road once more, making connections between small businesses, the government and academia in Indiana’s growing defense ecosystem. Building on our initial success in the CCF pilot, we will host a statewide Defense Innovation Roadshow. During this roadshow, there will be training sessions, networking events and one-on-one support for defense companies throughout the state.
“What we’re doing is clearly resonating,” said Heath Murray, D!NG executive director. “Small businesses want to bring their products and services to the warfighter, however, in many cases, just don’t know where to start. That’s where we can really help.”
The CCF grant comes on the heels of The Defense Innovation Rural Roadshow in Indiana Uplands that focused on sharing opportunities, practical insights and best practices to help local businesses enter the defense ecosystem. Panel discussions included representatives from NSWC Crane, defense industry prime contractors and local economic development officials. In all, hundreds of participants, companies and non-profits participated and D!NG has been in touch with three additional counties requesting similar events to be held in their areas.
“We have so many great resources right here in our own backyard, from NSWC Crane to Ivy Tech Community College, small and large businesses. The problem is, they aren’t talking to each other,” explained D!NG advisory board member, Steve Bryant. “D!NG is truly accomplishing our mission of catalyzing innovation and advancement in the defense sector by simply getting people together to meet and have meaningful discussions.”
In all, IEDC funded 32 projects from the Community Collaboration Fund. According to Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg, these projects are, “aimed at filling critical gaps and providing more direct support and resources for our entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage of their journey, ensuring that all Hoosiers have the tools needed to innovate, grow and succeed.”
The new grant funds will be used to hold a statewide roadshow and continue to convene individuals and organizations interested in serving our warfighters. Details about the upcoming roadshow can be found on the D!NG website and LinkedIn page.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our partners for their continued support. They include: The Purdue School of Industrial Engineering, Linton and Jasper Chambers of Commerce, Martin County Alliance for Strategic Growth, The Mill/Trades District/The Forge, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI) and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane).
Media POC:
Heath Murray
812-381-0312
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About D!NG: The Defense Innovation Networking Group is a catalyst for connection and collaboration between existing defense organizations in the Midwest and beyond. It was created to underpin the ultimate mission of innovation for the warfighter and will act as a force multiplier, supporting all organizations that do the same. D!NG hosts a variety of fun and "purposeful collision" events with the federal government, large contractors, non-traditional businesses, academics, elected officials, and venture capitalists to spark innovation and focus on growing entrepreneurship and economic development at a regional level.
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