Indiana Governor Mike Braun celebrated the pioneering spirit of Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses and their many contributions to the state, issuing a proclamation declaring May 4-8, 2026, Small Business Week in Indiana.
“Indiana’s communities and economy are propelled by small business innovation and Main Street entrepreneurship, with small businesses accounting for approximately 99.4% of all Hoosier employers,” said Gov. Braun. “As a fellow entrepreneur, I understand the passion and grit needed to succeed. I commend our 2026 Small Business of the Year award winners and our entire network of founders and small businesses statewide that create meaningful, quality jobs for Hoosiers.”
Indiana is home to nearly 600,000 small businesses (<500 employees) that employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers. The state ranks in the top five nationally for small business survival, according to the Kauffman Foundation, with 84% of Indiana businesses remaining open after one year. Additionally, Indiana companies in their first five years account for 74% of net new job growth, and, at the local level, just one successful new company has been shown to increase the median income of neighboring households.
“Under Governor’s leadership, we are fueling Main Street entrepreneurship and small business innovation across the state,” said Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams. “This week – and every week – we celebrate Indiana small businesses that are creating jobs and driving our economy. As a state, we are committed to providing the programs and resources needed to inspire continued entrepreneurship and support the growth, technological advancements and success of our small businesses.”
In 2025, the Indiana Office of Commerce supported more than 10,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses through its programs like the Indiana SBDC, helping launch 453 new businesses. Indiana SBDC offers 10 regional offices, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and current small businesses statewide through business advising, training, referrals and tools and resources to help businesses at every stage of their journey.
On Friday, the Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC), an Indiana Office of Commerce program, will present the 2026 Small Business Impact Awards. The eight Hoosier small businesses being recognized have been selected through their work with the Indiana SBDC, which offers no-cost advising and training to help small businesses start, grow or pivot. The awards, presented in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Week, honor the entrepreneurs’ and small businesses’ achievements and contributions to grow Indiana’s economy and strengthen communities across the state.
Honorees include small businesses in Clay County, Vanderburgh County, Floyd County, Clark County, Newton County, Blackford County, Allen County, and St. Joseph County.
To learn more about the many resources available to Indiana entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit iedc.in.gov/entrepreneurship.
