Innovation has long been a part of the South Bend-Elkhart region, and at enFocus we aim to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive. In addition to Sponsored Innovation Projects, as a Fellow you will participate in our Research, Development, and Entrepreneurship (RDE) portfolio to pursue your professional interests. Over the years, RDE has proven to be a cornerstone of our program, offering Fellows the opportunity to embark on impactful and transformative journeys. RDE provides space for Fellows to pursue their professional interests. Whether it is crafting a meaningful social impact initiative, an innovative solution for local communities, launching your own product or service, or developing cutting edge technology, enFocus is dedicated to supporting you as a young entrepreneur.
RDE hours serve as an extra benefit to your work because it will expedite your entrepreneurial prowess. As a part of the Fellowship, you will have access to training, a network of experienced professionals, and other additional resources. Some enFocus team members have found connections through mentorship, training, and other networking opportunities, while others have joined the HustleSBE network to learn how to progress their business.
At enFocus, we also help to connect individuals with organizations that are just as dedicated to your venture as you are. Our relationship with the Idea Center, the South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership, and other local initiatives alongside our extensive social network helps young professionals make connections that may be crucial for their early stages of success. Direct mentorship from start-up professionals, access to pitch competitions, and connections to other funding opportunities all contribute to RDE work and our Fellows’ professional development.
During your time as a Fellow, you have the opportunity to contribute over 1,000 of your paid salaried hours towards launching your own product, initiative, or business. Your hours will be doing more than contributing to your start-up–you will also be completing Sponsored Innovation Projects that will have a meaningful impact on initiatives that improve quality of life and build stronger communities. You can apply your interests and education to real-world businesses and organizations as you facilitate lasting improvements.
Our Fellows have shown outstanding leadership and initiative in spearheading their entrepreneurial experiences.The Save a Life event highlights how our Fellows came together to implement program planning to train thousands of 8th graders in CPR. Mimik Studio and heARsight are entrepreneurial ventures being pursued by those on our enFocus team, both of which aim to better communities through technological innovation. Some of our entrepreneurs have developed interactive products, like Nosh, a charcuterie board game. In addition to incubating new ideas and social initiatives, the enFocus team also develops grants and assists local businesses.
With 43 start-ups supported, 65 social initiatives launched, and 42 grant developments facilitated, the potential for further innovation and positive change is boundless. We look forward to celebrating our achievements and look forward to all the new ideas that our newest Fellows will bring to the South Bend-Elkhart Region.
Still curious about entrepreneurship in the region? See us at this year’s IDEA Week!