Rep. Teshka's legislation to create an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation heads to the Senate

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced State Rep. Jake Teshka's (R-North Liberty) legislation creating an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to provide resources to new and young businesses and support Hoosier entrepreneurs.

According to the Center for Entrepreneurship, new and young businesses are the key drivers of net new job growth, improving productivity and fostering innovation in our economy. While Indiana has been ranked by Forbes as the second best state in which to start a new business, our rate of new business starts is below the national average, according to Kauffman Foundation research.

House Bill 1172 would elevate efforts to support small business, entrepreneurship and innovation in the state. It aligns with Governor Braun's restructured cabinet to create such an office and prioritize Hoosier entrepreneurship.

"This legislation will bolster our support of Indiana entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners," Teshka said. "Establishing an office to align efforts and expand access to resources will help spur new business creation and generate a culture of entrepreneurship in Indiana."

Teshka said the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation would be under the Indiana Secretary of Commerce's jurisdiction and have seven core tenets and responsibilities: 

• Develop and administer programs to support the growth of small business, entrepreneurship and innovation in Indiana;
• Direct and oversee programs and sources of funding related to the growth of small business, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation in Indiana; 
• Work to strengthen policies and programs supporting the growth of entrepreneurship in Indiana;
• Coordinate with state agencies and other state-funded entities to align services and programs related to entrepreneurship and starting and scaling a business;
• Work with funded entities on identifying strategies and metrics around the disbursement of funds to measure funds reaching rural communities and other underrepresented communities;
• Work with stakeholders and organizations supporting entrepreneurship to enhance learning and skills, provide technical support and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across Indiana; and
• Develop and administer programs to support and encourage youth entrepreneurship, including supporting students and teachers in fostering entrepreneurial skills. 

Representatives from the Indiana Technology & Innovation Association, IU Kelley School of Business, Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Secretary of Commerce's office testified in support of the bill.
 
House Bill 1172 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committee meetings live, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.