Mayor Neese announces program to encourage start-up businesses

Mayor Tim Neese announced a major program for the city that could lead to boosting business in Elkhart.

The mayor's office is teaming up with the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce to make sure more entrepreneurs have the opportunity to start a business.

The big announcement was made Thursday morning and it's being called Launch Elkhart.

It will be a combination of what are called "co-working" areas as well as individual offices where small start-up companies can grow.

"Starting a small business can be a complex and expensive endeavor in order for the city of Elkhart to truly be open for business we must recognize the needs of startup businesses and help them find the services they need to be successful,” said Neese.

Launch Elkhart will be located on the second floor of the Chamber's building.

There will be experts on hand to help hopeful business owners learn the tricks of the trade.

The spaces will be renovated over the next couple weeks and businesses can rent their share for $150 a month.

"It's really very exciting for years the chamber as officered services, the score chapter has offered services sbdc has offered services all these different entities have been doing what they can to help small businesses, now thanks to this we're able to pull everybody together to share resources to help launch businesses from really the infancy to ongoing operations that benefit this community," said Kyle Hannon.