Gary, Indiana, expects to soon launch The Fiber Smart House, a new $8 million tech epicenter, in the city’s historic Union Station. The project, which is a partnership between Gary and the telecommunications development agency Digital Equity, will create a state-of-the-art technology workforce and educational training hub for residents.
Many residents and stakeholders believe the investment will act as a catalyst for returning Gary to its former glory. The Fiber Smart House is a significant investment in Gary’s future. It will help to revitalize the city’s downtown and create new opportunities for its residents.
It is also a sign of the city’s commitment to the tech enterprise, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. “This is a major milestone for our city,” said Gary Mayor Jerome Prince. “The Fiber Smart House will help us to level the digital playing field and create opportunities for all of our residents to participate in the tech economy.” The 10,000-square-foot Fiber Smart House will be located in the former train depot of the renovated Gary Union Station, which was built in 1910 and was once one of the busiest train stations in the Midwest. The station – recently restored to its former glory after being designated one of the 10 Most Endangered Places in Indiana in 2018 – is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A rendering of Gary, Indiana’s historic Union Station, the future location of the Fiber Smart Home. (Photo provided/Chelsea Whittington)
The train depot will be renovated to include classrooms, labs and office space for tech startups and businesses. It will also offer a variety of critical services for Gary residents, including security and public safety emergency services. A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the creation of the Fiber Smart House took place Aug. 23. The facility is projected to open in the fall of 2024. The project expects to create 100 new jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs once construction on the Fiber Smart House is finished.
Additionally, the project anticipates it will generate $10 million in economic activity for the city. “The tech field is the future of Indiana’s workforce, and I believe Northwest Indiana is the perfect place for it to boom,” said Indiana’s Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “The Fiber Smart House will be a vital first step in changing wealth outcomes for generations.”
Gary’s preservationists and historians are also excited about the technological revitalization of the nearly forgotten steel city of Gary. Tyrell Anderson, president of Decay Devils, an organization focused primarily on preserving historical and cultural landmarks within the city, expressed excitement over the multimillion-dollar tech expansion. “It feels great. This is a long time coming,” Anderson told the Times of Northwest Indiana. “We talked about it and found the council shared the same vision as us. We all work nine to five and did this in our spare time knowing it was going to be good for the downtown, good for the city, and good for everybody.”
Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @NoralParham. If you would like to add your business to the minority business directory, click here.
In the heart of Indiana, a powerful movement is underway—one that is reshaping the landscape of healthcare access and economic opportunity for underserved communities. Business As Usual Consulting, a pioneering organization, is not just teaching homecare workers how to start successful businesses; it’s fostering a revolution in healthcare accessibility. Through their coaching and support, Business As Usual has empowered over 100 individuals—over the last 18 months—to realize their entrepreneurial dreams while simultaneously creating an inclusive network of homecare providers that is improving the quality of life for people of all ages, abilities, and health conditions.
The significance of homecare facilities, particularly for underserved communities in Indiana, cannot be overstated. Historically, marginalized communities have faced disparities in accessing adequate healthcare services. These disparities are often exacerbated by financial limitations, geographical barriers, and cultural differences. Business As Usual Consulting is tackling these issues head-on by empowering homecare workers to establish their own businesses, thereby addressing both the economic and healthcare challenges faced by minority communities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Business As Usual’s approach is its emphasis on business ownership as a vehicle for empowerment. Through their ongoing coaching and guidance, individuals are not only discovering their path to financial self-sufficiency but are also becoming integral parts of a larger mission—a mission that revolves around creating a network of homecare providers that transcends socioeconomic and cultural boundaries, ensuring that quality care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
The transformative impact of Business As Usual’s efforts goes beyond just financial gains. By nurturing homecare entrepreneurs, the organization is nurturing a culture of compassion and support. Homecare workers, armed with the skills and knowledge to create successful businesses, are also equipped to provide holistic care that extends beyond medical assistance. This compassionate approach enhances the overall well-being of patients and their caregivers, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious quality of life.
Central to Business As Usual’s vision is the concept of accessibility. They are not merely focusing on creating businesses; they are creating a web of interconnected homecare providers that cater to diverse needs. The organization’s commitment to serving people of all ages, abilities, and health situations is a testament to its dedication to inclusivity. This approach not only enriches the lives of those receiving care but also supports the caregivers who often undertake the vital yet challenging role of supporting their loved ones.
As Business As Usual’s impact radiates across Indiana, it is sowing the seeds of a more equitable healthcare system. By enabling homecare entrepreneurs to establish sustainable businesses, the organization is fostering economic growth within minority communities. This, in turn, bolsters local economies and contributes to the overall well-being of the state.
In a society where healthcare can be a luxury and access a challenge, Business As Usual Consulting is a beacon of hope. Through their coaching, they are empowering individuals to not only secure their financial futures but also to provide a service that touches lives and uplifts communities. By creating a network of homecare providers, they are paving the way for a more accessible and compassionate healthcare landscape.
Interested in learning more or connecting with Business As Usual Consulting? Registration is now open for the Millionaire Billionaire Trillionaire Homecare Conference on September 8-9 in Indianapolis. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be secured through Eventbrite.
The lifestyle brand We Don’t Run From Adversity (WDRFA) is stepping out of the online realm into the vibrant heart of Indianapolis.
This is all thanks to a pioneering collaboration to give e-commerce entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow through a brick-and-mortar location.
Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the City’s collaboration with WDRFA as the first local business selected for the St’Artup317 Retail Incubator pilot program at the Stutz.
“This is creative economic development in action, and we’re excited to open our first-ever storefront with WDRFA as the featured local business,” said Hogsett.
As part of Hogsett’s downtown resiliency strategy, the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development created the first St’Artup317 retail incubator program. It is part of a public-private partnership with the Stutz’s owner and developer SomeraRoad.
“The Stutz is known historically as a place for creativity, innovation, and community which makes it the ideal location for this next phase for St’Artup317. Our goal is to make downtown Indianapolis a place where small businesses can launch and grow, and as a result, we’re evolving our economic development tools to grow the Indianapolis retail economy,” said Hogsett.
Striving to expand Downtown’s retail sector, the program’s long-term goals are to invest and empower historically underrepresented entrepreneurs.
They seek to eliminate empty storefronts and increase local and visitor consumer spending. Gary Patterson and Michael Gillis are the co-owners of WDRFA.
The lifestyle brand that features apparel, headwear, accessories and drinkware and promotes a community that connects people, places and things.The uncle and nephew launched in 2016 and debuted their storefront inside Stutz on Saturday, Aug. 12.
“The conversation with St’Artup 317 started over a year ago. We had done pop-ups at art galleries, coffee shops and different retail spaces since 2016. They liked our vision and the things that we could create,” said Gillis.
“We’ll only be here about nine months max. Then the next business will be coming in. This is the first time that they have a space that they’ll have for years to come.”
Gillis said that the new storefront venture is exciting but also challenging due to many elements differing from e-commerce. They also have to account for the foot traffic in the popular area.
“In Indianapolis, there are a lot of Black owned retail businesses. Most of them are e-commerce just because of the challenges that come with it, like renting properties, and that’s why the program St’Artup 317 is great,” said Gillis.
“In Indianapolis, most landlords want you to sign five- or six-to-ten-year deals where you have to lock in that big commitment of money. This is a great way to get our brand out there and aligns perfectly with what we’re selling.”
Patterson said it was important for them to reach more people with their brand.
“At the time that we started WDRFA, Indianapolis retail hadn’t really taken off yet. It’s something that’s still growing, like the whole city being into fashion and wanting to support fashion that’s not necessarily sneakers and things like that,” said Patterson.
“For the most part, we’ve been a mall-based city, not like boutiques, or knick-knacks, or niche kind of markets. We have a niche store, so for us, being online just made sense.
This program is perfect because it’s not necessarily long-term but enough time for us to touch the people who can check out our quality.”
Located in the Stutz Maker’s Alley, the 500-square-foot St’Artup317 Retail Incubator is located off 11th Street.
If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visitIndiana Minority Business Directory.
Chyresse Johnson — better known as Rece — created her brand Rece Remedies in 2017.
Johnson said she always had a thing for hair when she was growing up but after attending cosmetology school twice, she realized she had more interest in proper hair care maintenance than styling it. Starting a natural hair care brand was a way for her to invest in her love of hair care and provide alternative solutions to commonly faced problems in hair care and growth.
Rece Remedies products are 100% handmade with a special blend of all natural herbs, oil and love, according to her website. Her hair care line features a range of organic products from oil shampoo bars, hair butter and curl mousse, to hair, skin and nail vitamins, as well as a specially curated hair growth starter kit. Her products are designed for all hair types, with no chemicals or preservatives and are even kid-friendly.
“It’s hard finding a good natural product that actually helps the hair instead of damaging it,” Johnson told IMBM. “I wanted to provide a healthy, clean hair care line for the women who have trouble embracing their natural hair and keeping it healthy.”
In addition to hair care products, Rece Remedies also includes hair care tips for each of the products on its website and social media platforms — such as tutorials and maintenance tips on TikTok and YouTube.
Rece Remedies is currently operating as an online business and pop-up shop. Products can be purchased on the company’s website or at festivals and pop-ups around the city. For more information, visitreceremedieshaircare.comor @rece_remedies on Instagram. To get in contact, email Receremedies@yahoo.com.
If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visit Indiana Minority Business Directory.
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Aug. 16, 2023 – Okovango ERP, a groundbreaking Indianapolis startup proudly announces the acquisition of a significant $2 million contract with Finite Business Solutions, a prominent accounting firm based in Austin, Texas. This strategic alliance is poised to revolutionize business operations and process optimization.
“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey alongside Finite Business Solutions,” said Seabelo Silitshena, Co-founder and CTO of Okovango ERP. “This substantial contract underscores the value of Okovango ERP’s advanced features, showcasing our dedication to empowering businesses with comprehensive and efficient solutions.”
Ben Ogbebor, CEO of Okovango ERP, added, “This milestone reflects our commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the realm of business management. We are thrilled to join forces with Finite Business Solutions to deliver unparalleled value to our clients. Additionally, this collaboration will contribute to job growth in Indianapolis and further establish the city as a genuine tech startup hub.”
Under the agreement terms, Okovango ERP will furnish Finite Business Solutions and its clients with a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge functionalities, including Accounting, Human Resources Management (HRM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Project Management, Point of Sales (POS) and Product and Inventory Management. The goal of this partnership is to elevate the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Finite’s client services.
“This partnership with Okovango ERP signifies a new era of innovation for Finite Business Solutions,” said Trung Pham, CEO of Finite Business Solutions. “We are eager to leverage the state-of-the-art capabilities of Okovango ERP to provide our clients with unparalleled solutions that will fuel their success and growth.”
The contract outlines the delivery of Okovango ERP’s platform to serve over 800 small- to medium-sized Enterprises within Finite’s existing client base, translating to an estimated monthly recurring revenue of $150,000, equivalent to $1.8 million annually. The agreement also allows for expanding services to an additional 300 clients at the same per-client subscription fee, subject to mutual agreement.
Okovango ERP and Finite Business Solutions are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition by aligning their services with the completion of the Vantaca accounting software system integration to meet Finite’s service standards.
“We are confident that this partnership will create a strong synergy between our organizations, leading to mutual growth and success,” added Silitshena. “Together, we will deliver unmatched value to businesses seeking advanced solutions to meet their operational needs.”
This collaboration underscores Finite Business Solutions’ commitment to supporting and promoting these services for a minimum of five calendar years from the subscription commencement. The agreement also guarantees that subscription renewal fees will not increase by more than 10% annually during this five-year duration, offering clients stability and predictable cost management.
The partnership between Okovango ERP and Finite Business Solutions signifies a potent amalgamation of innovation, expertise and commitment, poised to redefine the landscape of business management solutions.
Cargo Streetwear, located at 1336 Shelby St., is a 40-foot container store home to upcoming and well-known streetwear pieces. Owners CP and Alex Olla combine their own personal brands and high-end streetwear to bring a unique curated collection to the store. Local brands Komäfi and Wishful Thinkin as well as other niche brands can also be found in the storefront.
A look at the inside of the 40 foot container store (Photo/ Cargo Streetwear)
Hours of operation:
Monday: By appointment only
Tuesday: By appointment only
Wednesday: By appointment only
Thursday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Appointments can be booked online here. Cargo Streetwear can be reached by phone at 317-679-6270 or by email at cargostreetwear@gmail.com.
If you have a minority owned and operated business you’d like to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine Directory, visitIndiana Minority Business Directory.
Triana “Tre” Moore, 34, is a basketball savant turned entrepreneur with a tumultuous story. At first glance, one would not think she once had a promising career in sports or believe the dangerous path Moore had to take to get to where she is today. This is a story on how trusting the process along a negative road often yields positive results.
Moore was not interested in basketball until she recognized the fellowship the game promotes while she was growing up in her Indianapolis neighborhood. She also recalls a friend sparking her further interest in the sport.
“I had a friend we called ‘Webber’ because he always wore a Chris Webber jersey and would play basketball in the neighborhood,” Moore said. “He is the reason that I wanted to play basketball. He made it look exciting. Plus, I wanted my own Chris Webber jersey.”
From that moment, Moore wanted to live, breathe, eat and sleep basketball while playing on the team at Indianapolis Public School #44 (now the Global Preparatory Academy).
“I wanted to play at my school, but my mother wouldn’t sign my permission slip,” Moore recalled. “So, I ended up having my sister sign the permission slip. I am so glad she did.”
Moore went on to join the AAU basketball circuit in 2001, where she was a point guard for the team known as “The Family,” a team led by coach Kevin Merriweather.
By 2005, Moore was playing high school basketball under Head Coach Stan Benge at Ben Davis High School. Moore also played at Northwest High School under Indiana basketball legend Shawn Teague – father of NBA champion Jeff Teague.
“Coach Benge was a great coach and mentor,” Moore said. “He always believed in me.”
After graduating, Moore attended Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Illinois. Under Head Coach Chad Killinger, Moore felt unstoppable.
A photo of Triana ‘Tre’ Moore (middle) in warmups (Photo provided/Triana Moore)
“Coach Killinger never gave up on me, and I’ll forever love him for that,” Moore said.
Under Killinger’s guidance, the Lady Statesmen team achieved unprecedented success boasting a winning season for four years and securing over twenty wins for three seasons. The overall record for the team was an impressive 91-36. In the 2009-2010 season, the program reached a new level by appearing in the NJCAA National Tournament while setting a new school record of 28 victories, which surpassed the 24-win mark set by Killinger’s first team at Lincoln Trail.
The Lady Statesmen also made their third appearance in the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball poll during the 2009-2010 season, starting at 16th place in the preseason poll and finishing the year 17th in the nation.
Unfortunately, Triana Moore was only able to experience a small portion of this success.
In late 2008, Moore was in serious legal trouble, facing a robbery charge that forced her to remove herself from the institution.
Although she faced a maximum of 20 years, Moore served five years that involved a combination of incarceration, house arrest, work release and probation, paying her last restitution payment in 2011.
After this experience, Moore felt empowered and began desiring to return to school. The first person she contacted was her former coach Chad Killinger, who was now coaching at Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Missouri, and offered her a position on the school’s basketball team.
Without hesitation, Triana Moore enrolled at Moberly and majored in business management. Unfortunately, Moore faced an injury at Moberly that ended her playing days indefinitely.
The 2008-09 Lincoln Trail Lady Statesmen, Triana Moore, owner of Trusting the Process, LLC., is pictured in the second row from the from the front, first left. (Photo provided/Triana Moore)
During a game against Olney Central College, Moore tore her ACL and MCL in both legs.
“I was devastated,” Moore said. “It sent me into a deep depression because I felt like I had to quit the game that I love. I had to learn how to walk again.”
With nothing left driving her to attend Moberly, Moore again gave up school.
After finishing physical rehab in 2012, Moore’s best friend and former teammate, Larretha “Lala” Draughon, was living out their shared basketball dreams.
“I remember telling her that she has to do this for both of us now,” Moore said.
However, Draughon never got the chance. On July 3, 2012, Draughon was shot and killed, sending Moore over the edge.
“I was devastated, man,” Triana Moore said. “The first person I reached out to after Lala passed was Coach Killinger. It was the first time in our relationship that he didn’t have the proper motivating words for me because he had never experienced that loss.”
In her grief and with nothing left to motivate her, Moore returned to her old ways, yielding her legal trouble again. During spring 2013, Moore received another robbery charge.
“I was depressed, following negative people, so the negativity followed me,” Moore said. Similar to her first case of robbery, Moore served a unique combination of incarceration, probation and fines. Moore made her final probation payment to the court in 2018.
Fighting back tears, Moore expressed anger stemming from disappointment: “I just feel like I let everyone down, especially Coach Killinger,” Moore said.
From this point, Moore vowed to stay out of trouble. Feeling revitalized and empowered, she wanted to get her record expunged, which she accomplished on August 25, 2022.
“I saw the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office was hosting one of those expungement events, so I went,” Moore said. “The expungement process granted me a fresh start.”
Business onwer Tre Moore sporting some apparel from her company ‘Trusting the Process’. (Photo provided/Triana Moore)
Now, Triana Moore is a business owner. Trusting the Process, LLC is an apparel company and clothing line started by Moore after her successful expungement.
Taking it all in, Moore recalls the lessons she learned that brought her to where she is today: “A lot of people do not make it out of situations like mine,” Moore said. “I just want people to know no matter what you go through, you have to trust the process.”
Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @NoralParham. For more heartwarming sports stories and news, click here.
Kiss of Silk, originally known as “Kall Me Beautiful,” is the embodiment of Kristen Johnson’s journey from struggling with skin issues to creating a plant-based skincare business that promotes healing and confidence. Her inspiration came from personal experiences battling acne and persistent scars that traditional remedies couldn’t seem to heal. So, at 17 years old, this motivated her to explore and experiment with simple yet effective ingredients available in her household, such as shea butter, olive oil and sugar. Her research and experimentation led to the creation of her first scrub and facial butter, which showcased remarkable results on her skin. This transformative experience ignited her desire to share the healing potential of plant-based skincare with others, and ultimately, was the catalyst to her business ownership journey.
Kristen’s dedication to her business is akin to an artist’s passion. She views the formulations and raw ingredients as her paintbrush, the crafting and infusing process as the canvas, and the final products as the embodiment of healing properties that boost confidence. Her journey has been marked by continuous learning, resilience, humility and openness to constructive criticism.
“When starting off my business, back before it was Kiss of Silk, I remember one woman telling me when talking about my products to not say and stuff when explaining the benefits,” Johnson recalled. “I’ve always taken what she said with me, and that one thing she said has played a part in how I explain and present my products.”
“As a young entrepreneur, I recognize that at times it’s very good to either have or be our own constructive critic, and I’m often my own biggest critic—always evaluating my presentations, my products and how I push myself out of my introvert shell to really build my business,” Johnson shared. “I repeatedly tell myself that the only way for my business and myself to grow is to get out there and push myself. That strategy is exactly how I’ve been able to continuously reflect, evolve and improve Kiss of Silk.”
Since she was a student at North Central High School, Kristen’s walked a path similar to other business owners—one that requires a delicate balance between entrepreneurship and corporate America.
“While I was building Kiss of Silk, I continued to be inspired by my genuine love for my products, but the reality is that many entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs, simply don’t have access to the resources we need to throw caution to the wind and dive into entrepreneurship.” This transition was slow, but with Kristen’s work ethic, it was steady. In 2023, she was finally able to assume business ownership full-time, at 24 years old.
Kiss of Silk has endured an amazing amount of growth and evolution over the last five years, marked by tremendous expansion. “Many times over the years, I’ve been discouraged, but I’ve held tightly onto what my products have already produced. While I’m delighted at the growth, what makes me most proud if knowing that Kiss of Silk is helping to heal the skin of my customers and restore confidence one person at a time.”
And while Kiss of Silk is celebrating five years of business, Johnson’s excited at the realization that her business is just getting started. “I’m pushing Kiss of Silk to expand outside of Indiana into different markets because that will bring an evolution of new products—men’s care, lip gloss, tooth care—Kiss of Silk still has so many products to begin to produce.”
Word of mouth is critical as Kiss of Silk continues to establish itself in and beyond Indiana. Learn more about Kiss of Silk, purchase products and leave reviews on their website https://kissofsilk.com/.
Thanks to three pop culture icons, this summer has officially been dubbed #BillionGirlSummer. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and “Barbie” by way of Greta Gerwig’s latest film, have boosted the economy in tremendous ways, from Gerwig breaking box office history to Beyoncé fans affecting inflation in Sweden and the U.K. with her Renaissance tour. But it’s not just celebrities who are making moves; according to a recent report from U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, women are responsible for the creation of about half of the new businesses over the last three years, with businesses started and owned by women of color having one of the most significant impacts on the U.S. economy.
And yet, women, especially minority women, lack equitable access to capital and receive less in terms of government agency-backed loans. Many women are turning to membership-based communities, attending events, and joining coworking spaces like Maven Space to find connections, empowerment, and resources they need to succeed.
With women-owned small businesses employing almost 10 million people in the U.S., Indianapolis must take a greater interest in supporting organizations and spaces that provide the support needed for women of all backgrounds to participate in this growing economy. Here’s a snapshot of what’s necessary to move forward and why.
1. Nurturing Diversity and Inclusion:
Indianapolis boasts a diverse population, and an investment in spaces that are dedicated to women can provide a haven for individuals of various ethnicities, backgrounds, and perspectives. A safe environment is critical for women to connect, share ideas, network, break down barriers, and foster mutual understanding.
2. Fostering Entrepreneurship:
Female entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to drive economic growth and innovation. However, they often face unique challenges in accessing resources, networks, and mentorship. Women-centric spaces can help bridge this gap by offering tailored support, workshops, and networking opportunities that cater specifically to the needs of female entrepreneurs. By nurturing this ecosystem, Indianapolis can tap into a wellspring of untapped talent and foster an environment of economic resilience.
3. Overcoming Barriers:
Many women, particularly mothers, struggle to find a balance between their professional and personal lives. Spaces that offer on-site childcare facilities can address this challenge, enabling mothers to pursue their careers without sacrificing their family responsibilities. By breaking down these barriers, Indianapolis can empower more women to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
4. Empowering Collaboration:
Collaboration is a key driver of innovation, and coworking spaces, in particular, are uniquely positioned to facilitate this. By creating an environment where women from different industries can work side by side, the city can foster cross-pollination of ideas and skills. These interactions can lead to unexpected collaborations and innovative solutions to both local and global challenges.
5. Providing a Supportive Ecosystem:
Beyond physical space, female-centric hubs can offer valuable resources such as mentorship, digital connections, and virtual events tailored to the needs of those professionals. These resources can equip women with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the modern workplace, helping them reach their full potential.
6. Enhancing Work-Life Integration:
Work-life integration is increasingly becoming a priority for professionals. Spaces that emphasize holistic well-being and offer fitness facilities, meditation rooms, and wellness programs can help women strike a balance between their career aspirations and personal health. This approach not only benefits the individual but also contributes to a more productive and motivated workforce.
7. Amplifying Voices:
Women-centric coworking spaces can serve as platforms for women to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives. This fosters a sense of belonging, encourages authentic expression, and ultimately leads to greater representation of women’s voices in various sectors of the community.
Recently, Maven Space joined forces with coworking spaces P30 and The Speakeasy to partner with Indy Biz Pass to provide access to all three spaces for 100 Black founders. With the support of the Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative and the Indianapolis Urban League and Innopower, our spaces have the ability to participate in such a program.
These spaces not only benefit the individuals who use them but also contribute to the overall growth and vibrancy of the city’s economy and culture.
As Indianapolis continues to evolve, embracing the concept of inclusive spaces where women can thrive is a step toward building a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous future for all.
There were few Black vendors at the Indiana State Fair this year, but Gobble Gobble Food Truck has stood the test of time on fairgrounds since opening their business.
“It’s been an honor that I can keep this legacy going that my father started. To be one of the few Black owned vendors, we’ve learned a lot along the way to keep this going,” said Gobble Gobble Food Truck CEO, Alfarena “Alfie” McGinty.
Her father started Gobble Gobble 22 years ago and has been at the state fair ever since. He retired in 2010 and McGinty took over, turning the business into a traveling food truck. McGinty enters the Taste of the Fair competition every year.
To prepare for the competition, she holds a tasting with family and friends to try out new recipe ideas. This year she came up with the “Mac Daddy Empanada,” which is consists of macaroni cheese and pulled BBQ turkey.
In 2021, Gobble Gobble Food Truck won second place. It was coincidentally, on the same day as the 20th anniversary of their company opening. They won with their “BBQ Sugar Mama,” a donut with pulled BBQ turkey.
“People know the truck, and people come specifically for my number one item: the jumbo turkey legs. Everybody’s wanted to try the Mac Daddy Empanada. People come for the fun food, and we appreciate our customers who come and try,” said McGinty.
The food truck is located across from the DNR building and is open Wednesdays-Thursdays during fair hours.
Black vendors at the Indiana State Fair
Knowing that she is only one of few Black vendors, McGinty wants to see more Black vendors in the future.
“I’ve been talking to Leroy Lewis III, the new marketing director at the state fair; we’ve talked about how we can generate and get more African American food vendors into the fair and having them understand how to keep up with the capacity,” said McGinty.
She said vendors need to be able to cook onsite and have staff there through the duration of the state fair, for 12-13 hours at a time to keep up with the volume of customers.
McGinty said it takes a lot of work, commitment and funding to become a vendor; however, she is eager to help any business that is up to the challenge.
“I told him [Lewis] that I’m willing to be a part of any type of training or informational that can be given to future vendors to help them prepare for the fair,” said McGinty.
If any Black business is interested in becoming a vendor, they can apply on their Indiana State Fair’s website.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at 317-607-5792 or by email jadej@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
