Business attraction is the deliberate effort to draw innovative companies and entrepreneurs to a region, fostering economic growth, diversity, and innovation. This year, The Startup Ladies are setting the bar with their annual #InvestInWomenFounders Summit. By selecting and training top-tier women entrepreneurs from across the U.S., and hosting them in Indiana to connect with local investors and business leaders, The Startup Ladies are showcasing the state as a prime destination for diverse, scalable businesses.
Why the #InvestInWomenFounders Summit Matters to Indiana
On December 5, at Delta Faucet Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, nine dynamic women founders (six from out of state) will present their scalable businesses to a room of potential investors, business leaders, and advocates. This event is proof of The Startup Ladies’ growing influence in business attraction and their commitment to creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to shine on a national stage.
By hosting these talented founders, The Startup Ladies are positioning Indiana as a forward-thinking state that values innovation, diversity, and collaboration. Events like this create a ripple effect—highlighting Indiana’s potential and inspiring other women entrepreneurs to consider the state as a home for their businesses.
Meet the 6 Women Founders Visiting Indiana
Chere Cofer – Innovator in Healthcare Connectivity (California)
Founder of Open Books MD, Chere Cofer has leveraged her 25+ years of experience in biopharmaceuticals to create a groundbreaking platform connecting healthcare providers in underserved areas with pharmaceutical resources. Her focus on reducing healthcare disparities exemplifies the innovation Indiana aims to support.
Ishita Majumdar – Advancing Neurohealth Solutions (California)
As Co-founder and CTO of Inara AI, Ishita Majumdar is reshaping neurohealth care with a technology-driven platform that integrates health insights, community connections, and care coordination. Her visit highlights Indiana's potential as a growing hub for health tech innovation.
Suzanne McKenzie – Sustainable Design Trailblazer (New York)
Founder of ABLE MADE, Suzanne McKenzie has transformed her passion for soccer and sustainability into a thriving business. Her apparel brand, which focuses on responsible manufacturing and giving back, aligns with Indiana’s commitment to ethical, scalable businesses.
Leslie Young – Championing Diversity in the Bedding Industry (Ohio)
Leslie Young’s company, Beautiful Dreamers, creates inclusive children’s bedding and décor that authentically represents diverse communities. Her mission to foster inclusivity from an early age aligns with The Startup Ladies’ focus on fostering innovation and equity.
Mara Smith – Innovator in Women-Owned Spirits (Illinois)
Mara Smith, Founder of Inspiro Tequila, combines her expertise in law and business with a passion for clean-label, additive-free tequila. Her success as a Certified B Corporation demonstrates how women-owned businesses can inspire and lead with purpose.
Cara Bognar – Bridging Sports and Education (Illinois)
Founder of Top Tier Lessons, Cara Bognar has created a platform connecting parents with NCAA athletes for personalized sports lessons. Her model not only empowers student-athletes but also makes sports more accessible to families—a concept with broad appeal and potential for Indiana’s sports culture. Cara is about to launch a chapter in Indianapolis!
The Economic and Cultural Impact
By attracting these six innovative women entrepreneurs to Indiana for the Summit, The Startup Ladies are directly contributing to the state’s economic growth and diversity. These founders exemplify scalable business models that are poised for national and international success, and their participation highlights Indiana’s potential as a hub for dynamic, women-owned companies.
Beyond the event itself, The Startup Ladies’ year-round support—mentorship, resources, and access to investors—ensures that women entrepreneurs can thrive long after the Summit ends.
Why Business Attraction Professionals Should Attend
For professionals working in business attraction, the #InvestInWomenFounders Summit is an invaluable opportunity to witness Indiana's potential as a magnet for diverse, scalable businesses.
By attending, you will:
Discover Cutting-Edge Ventures:Â Learn firsthand about innovative, high-growth companies owned and led by women who are shaping their industries. These businesses represent the types of ventures that can transform local economies and inspire additional entrepreneurial activity.
Network with Visionary Leaders:Â Meet trailblazing founders, potential investors, and influential business leaders who are committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indiana.
Showcase Indiana’s Commitment: Demonstrate to attendees and the broader community that Indiana is serious about attracting and supporting diverse talent and businesses, further strengthening the state’s reputation as a destination for innovation and opportunity.
Create Ripple Effects: Engaging with these founders can lead to long-term collaborations, investments, or relocations that fuel regional growth and build Indiana’s pipeline of future-forward companies.
Attending the Summit is not just about observing—it’s about actively contributing to a movement that aligns with your mission to drive economic growth and highlight Indiana as a vibrant place for businesses to thrive. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative event.
Why Service Providers Should Attend
For professionals offering ancillary services—such as legal, accounting, marketing, HR, IT, and other business solutions—the #InvestInWomenFounders Summit is a prime opportunity to connect with emerging startups and women-owned businesses. Here’s why you should be there:
Build Relationships with Growing Businesses: Meet founders at the pivotal stage of scaling their companies, when they’re looking to establish strategic partnerships with service providers who can support their growth.
Understand Unique Needs:Â Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities these founders face, helping you tailor your offerings to better serve women entrepreneurs and startups.
Expand Your Network:Â Engage with a community of investors, mentors, and other professionals who value innovation, diversity, and collaboration. These connections could lead to referrals, partnerships, or long-term client relationships.
Showcase Your Expertise:Â Position your business as a trusted ally for startups and women-owned companies, demonstrating your commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Contribute to Economic Growth: By supporting these businesses, you’re playing a direct role in strengthening Indiana’s economy and encouraging more diverse ventures to grow and thrive here.
Your expertise could be the key to helping these founders navigate critical aspects of business success. Attending the Summit ensures you’re at the forefront of shaping the next wave of entrepreneurial growth in Indiana.
How You Can Get Involved
Sponsorship
Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or advocate for women in business, there are many ways to support this movement. By sponsoring The Startup Ladies and events like the #InvestInWomenFounders Summit, you’re doing more than supporting individual businesses—you’re building a brighter, more inclusive future for Indiana.
Purchase Tickets
Join us on December 5 to witness firsthand the impact of supporting women founders and to be part of a transformative moment in Indiana’s entrepreneurial journey. Purchase tickets here.
For more information about The Startup Ladies, membership opportunities, and upcoming events, visit thestartupladies.org. Together, we’re redefining what it means to build a thriving business community locally and nationally—one founder, one investor, and one executive at a time.
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