A Community for Entrepreneurs
Northwest Indiana’s premier small business hub, The Collective is by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs - a vibrant, supportive space where makers, founders, and creatives unite, grow and give back. We believe in the power of collaboration, connection and purposeful events to uplift every member.
WE’RE HERE FOR ENTREPRENEURS LIKE YOU
LET’S GROW OUR COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSES TOGETHER
Member-Driven Events: From workshops and member meetups to art exhibits and brainstorm sessions, we curate experiences that create opportunities for our members to connect, collaborate, showcase their work, and build lasting relationships.
Impact Through Community: Our members don’t just grow their own businesses, they lift others while they climb. Through partnerships, donation drives, and local collaborations, we stay rooted in supporting the region we call home.
Collaboration at the Core: The Collective is built on the belief that we’re stronger together. Our members share ideas, resources and encouragement to help each other succeed.
Tools That Amplify Your Brand: Members gain access to exclusive marketing opportunities, promotional features, and visibility through our community platforms, all designed to help showcase your brand.
We’re proud to call Northwest Indiana home, and our community is made up of passionate entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged here; it’s how we operate. We celebrate each other’s wins, share hard-earned lessons from the tough days and create space for every entrepreneur to keep moving forward.
We love where we live, and we’re proud of what we’ve built together
Since 2019, with support from our members, vendors, and community, we’ve raised and donated over $50,000 to local causes and nonprofits. In 2024, we launched The Collective Events, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to expand that impact even further.
Our signature producers market, Farmed & Forged, has raised more than $15,000 for nonprofits and has facilitated nearly $40,000 in SNAP benefits redeemed since 2023, putting healthy food on the tables of those who need it most and real dollars in the hands of local small business owners.
IMPACT
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
From hiring support to brand strategy, coaching, and events — The Collective offers practical, people-first consulting for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Whether you need help building a team, refining your brand experience, creating a custom growth plan, or producing an unforgettable event, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
New services & consulting coming soon
Defining Moments
2019
LAUNCHED THE COLLECTIVE
We started with a bold idea: create a space where local entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers could collaborate and grow together.
2023
LAUNCHED FARMED & FORGED
Our signature farmers market debuted in LaPorte County, connecting farmers, makers, and neighbors while increasing access to fresh, local food.
2025
$39K+ SNAP/EBT redeemed since 2023
Since introducing SNAP/EBT, Farmed & Forged shoppers have redeemed $39,177 in benefits; making local, healthy food more accessible to all.
2021
First $20K Raised for Local Causes
Through our events and partnerships, we rallied the community to raise and donate over $20,000 to support nonprofits right here in Northwest Indiana.
2024
LAUNCHED THE COLLECTIVE EVENTS, INC.
The Collective Events, Inc. launched as a 501(c)(3) to serve the public through mission-driven events and programs, while The Collective Group LLC supports entrepreneurs through membership and business resources.
Get updates on markets, events, member features, and opportunities to get involved - delivered monthly to your inbox.
