February 2025 Alliance Newsletter

Together, we are creating an impact

Supporting local businesses, energizing downtown, building strong connections, and empowering entrepreneurs — these are just a few of the ways Alliance events and initiatives make a lasting impact on the greater Kokomo community.

But none of it would be possible without you. Your support fuels the success of our community, and we invite you to be part of something bigger. There are many ways you can get involved in our most exciting and influential events of the year.

Check out our sponsorship guide to see how you can elevate your business while making a lasting impact on the community!

View sponsorship opportunities here

GREATER KOKOMO DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION

Volunteers, vendors sought for Strawberry Festival

It just doesn’t feel like summer until you’ve had a shortcake piled high with strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream in downtown Kokomo.

And that feeling is coming on Friday, June 6, as the Greater Kokomo Downtown Association presents the Strawberry Festival. Sponsored by First Farmers Bank & Trust, the event will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The event would not be possible without the dedicated work of our committee and volunteers. That's where you come in! To sign up as a volunteer, click here.

There are also vendor opportunities at this year’s event, and community organizations, businesses, food trucks and artisans are invited to participate. To register as a vendor, click here.

CLICK A STRAWBERRY TO GET INVOLVED!

Get ready for the kick off of summer in downtown Kokomo

The Strawberry Festival now has its own dedicated website, making it easier than ever to find all the details you need in one place.

From event schedules and artist lineups to vendor info and ticket details, everything is just a click away. Stay up to date with the latest announcements and more!

Check it out here

Volunteers sought for annual planting

Join the Keep Kokomo Beautiful campaign and make a lasting impact on our community!

This spring, the Downtown Association is hosting three events where volunteers will plant flowers and maintain public garden spaces across Howard County. Whether you're part of a business team, advocacy group, or just want to lend a hand as an individual or family, your help is needed!

Join the Sidewalk Garden Club

New in 2025 is the Sidewalk Garden Club, where businesses and organizations can adopt a sidewalk garden along several walkways in downtown Kokomo. Contributors can display their pride for the heart of their community through their sponsorship.

Each sponsor will have a metal plaque staked into one of the gardens that will be available all year long. This investment will support purchasing plant stock for the Keep Kokomo Beautiful campaign, planting it, and administering volunteer engagement.

Get started today!

GREATER KOKOMO VISITORS BUREAU

Visitors Bureau helps welcome contestants

Distinguished Young Women of Indiana state program was held last weekend in Kokomo at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium.

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau was a sponsor of the state program and assisted with securing hotel room blocks for guests and hospitality for both program participants and judges.

Distinguished Young Women (formerly America’s Junior Miss) is the oldest and largest scholarship program for high school girls. Kokomo has hosted the state program for the past 13 years with participants attending from across the state of Indiana (including one participant representing Howard County.)

While in Kokomo, the contestants and judges participated in community tours and activities.

Submit your community event!

The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau compiles a complete list of events for Kokomo and Howard County monthly. To have your event included in our calendar, contact Sherry Matlock at 765-457-6802 or smatlock@visitkokomo.org.

You can also submit your listing online by visiting visitkokomo.org/submit-your-event

Check out the Community Calendar

INVENTREK TECHNOLOGY PARK

Finalists selection underway for annual competition

The nomination period for The Drive, a "Shark Tank"-style business pitch competition, has officially closed. Now, the selection process begins as we carefully review applications to determine this year’s finalists.

Those selected will work closely with the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance team to refine their business plans and perfect their pitches. Finalists will then take the stage on Thursday, Oct. 9, to compete for the $10,000 grand prize in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

Stay tuned as we unveil the finalists in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, if you're interested in sponsoring The Drive or have questions, contact Caitlin Sheets here.

Office space opportunities at Inventrek

Looking for the perfect space to grow your business? Inventrek Technology Park offers office space designed for startups and high-growth companies looking to take their business to the next level. As one of just 23 Certified Technology Parks in Indiana, Inventrek provides a supportive environment where innovation thrives.

Here, you'll find more than just office space — you'll gain access to valuable resources like the Hoosier Heartland Small Business Development Center, The Shared Drive co-working space, and free conference rooms for tenants. Plus, with on-site maintenance, mailing services, and built-in networking opportunities, you’ll have everything you need to focus on what matters most — growing your business.

Join a community where 80% of our graduates are still thriving in business today. Learn more or schedule a tour by calling 765-457-2000 or emailing Michelle Reed.

As a small business owner, you wear many hats — CEO, marketer, accountant, IT specialist, and more. But the reality is, you can’t be all things in your business, and hiring for every role might not be in the budget.

Yet, ignoring the gaps in your operations won’t make them disappear. These unmet needs can silently hold your business back, and if left unchecked, they can actually damage your business.

Over time, small issues can snowball into larger problems, affecting your bottom line, customer satisfaction, and overall growth.

Ignoring these challenges doesn’t make them go away; it only gives them room to fester and potentially cause long-term harm. That’s why it is crucial to address them head-on, finding creative, cost-effective solutions to keep your business secure and thriving without stretching yourself too thin.

OK, but how, you’re asking.

A great starting point is to attend the Linked to The Future series presented by and hosted at Inventrek Tech Park in Kokomo, in partnership with the Hoosier Heartland ISBDC.

Set for 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 17 at Inventrek, the fourth session of the Linked to the Future webinar series will again focus on AI for small businesses.

Tim Branyan with the Hoosier Heartland Indiana Small Business Development Center will help small businesses understand how they can incorporate AI for improved efficiency.

This event is free to the public. Can't make it in person? We have a virtual option for you to join via Zoom.

Click here to register

GREATER KOKOMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

You can help support local small businesses through the Chamber

The Small Business of the Month/Year Program (SBOM) is designed to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Greater Kokomo Chamber businesses.

The goal of the monthly award is to highlight a small business and give them extra marketing exposure to aid in growing their business. The award season runs from January to November annually.

Nominations are now open for 2025! Click here to nominate a great small business!

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Members Meet Up Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28

Inventrek Tech Park's Shared Drive

Learn how you can make the most of your Chamber membership, learn more about the Greater Kokomo Alliance, and network with other members of the Chamber.

Learn more here