OVER 80 MEMBERS
ACROSS NORTHWEST INDIANA
$50,000+ DONATED LOCALLY
THROUGH MARKETS & PROMOTIONS
40+ COLLABORATIONS
SPARKED BETWEEN MEMBERS
WHERE NWI’S BOLDEST SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, ARTISTS AND NONPROFIT LEADERS COME TOGETHER TO GROW, COLLABORATE AND CREATE IMPACT.
MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENTLY OPEN!
Through resources, connection and visibility, we help entrepreneurs build businesses that are not only profitable, but purpose-driven and deeply rooted in their communities.
Whether you're a market vendor, a first-time founder or a longtime creative, there’s space for you here.
“BEING A MEMBER OF THE COLLECTIVE IS PROOF THAT WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER, WE CAN ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS.”
SAMI WELTER • ELLA JAYMS
A COMMUNITY ROOTED IN COLLABORATION
Join a network of creative, driven entrepreneurs who believe in community over competition. As a member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources, event opportunities and a community that shows up for each other - online and in real life.
MEMBERSHIP PERKS INCLUDE:
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Members-only mixers & education
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Collective marketing exposure
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Members-only exclusive community
Membership that moves your business forward
CONSULTING & CREATIVE SERVICES
Every business has different needs, and those needs change as the business grows. The Collective gives business owners access to experienced professionals who can step in with the right expertise at the right time.
Whether you need strategic guidance, help solving a specific challenge, or hands-on support bringing an idea to life, our team works alongside yours to turn priorities into progress.
GROWTH
building businesses with purpose
WE BELIEVE THAT BUSINESS AND GENEROSITY GO HAND IN HAND.
THROUGH OUR NONPROFIT, THE COLLECTIVE EVENTS, INC., A PORTION OF PROCEEDS FROM EVERY MARKET AND EVENT IS DONATED TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS DOING MEANINGFUL WORK - FROM FOOD ACCESS AND YOUTH PROGRAMS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ANIMAL RESCUES.
Our vision
Through our events, we aim to support the community as a whole while proudly embracing a culture of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and altruism to create an uplifting environment to ensure our efforts leave a positive impact on the communities we serve, the businesses we support and our dedicated team
THREE MARKETS.
ONE MISSION: SUPPORT LOCAL.
Farmed & Forged is our signature producers market series, coordinated through our nonprofit, The Collective Events, Inc., designed to nourish communities and uplift local makers. We host weekly outdoor markets in La Porte, Michigan City and Hammond, Indiana, featuring small farms, food artisans, handmade goods and live entertainment—all in a vibrant, people-first atmosphere.
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Hammond: Thursdays • 5/28 - 9/24 • 3:30pm-7pm CST
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Michigan City: Saturdays • 5/24-9/26 • 8am-12pm CST
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La Porte: Saturdays • 5/25-9/27 • 10am-1pm CST
Expect everything from farm-fresh produce and handmade bread to natural body care, small-batch sauces, ceramics, florals, live music and more.
Whether you're stocking up, gifting local or just coming for the vibe, there's something for everyone.
EVERY PRODUCT IS CRAFTED, GROWN, OR THOUGHTFULLY CURATED BY THE VENDOR BEHIND THE TABLE. THIS MARKET ISN’T ABOUT RETAIL CHAINS. IT’S ABOUT REAL PEOPLE, REAL PASSION, AND LOCAL IMPACT.
