Where LocaLink Is Now
Right now, we are in the early stages of developing LocaLink, building partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, refining our platform, and preparing for broader implementation to ensure it meets the needs of small-town economies. Here are a few steps we have made to begin this journey:
Innovate WithIn Pitch Competition
As part of this journey, we are proud to be competing in the Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition, where we’ve advanced to the regional level. The Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition is a statewide entrepreneurship competition that provides high school students in Indiana with the opportunity to develop, pitch, and launch their own business ideas while competing for funding, mentorship, and resources.
Start It Up Competition
The "Start It Up" competition in Brookville, Indiana, is an exciting entrepreneurial event designed to support innovation and business growth within the community. LocaLink participated in this year’s competition, where we won third place and $3,000 to help start our business concept and launch our venture.
Community Outreach
LocaLink has made significant progress in its development by actively engaging with several local Chambers of Commerce and meeting with the ISBDC (Indiana Small Business Development Center). Through this process we have been able to better understand the needs of businesses, refine our offerings, and align our strategies with community goals.
Where LocaLink Plans To Go
We are very pleased with the progress that has been made to start this adventure. In order to make LocaLink a success, we plan to take the following necessary steps in the upcoming months:
Build Strong Partnerships
LocaLink is dedicated to cultivating strong relationships with local communities and small businesses to drive growth and enhance its presence. These partnerships will lay the groundwork for meaningful collaboration and future expansion.
On the development front, we will collaborate with expert software engineers to create a scalable, innovative platform designed for long-term success.
Secure Funding
LocaLink will actively pursue funding opportunities from government programs, economic development organizations, and community-based initiatives aimed at supporting startups. We will also explore partnerships with angel investors and venture capitalists who align with its vision for growth.
Launch The Product!
The prototype phase has started! After completing the prototype phase and conducting thorough trials, LocaLink will refine the product based on feedback and performance evaluations. Once these adjustments are made, the product will be officially launched and made available to users. This phased approach ensures that we delivers a well-tested, reliable solution that meets the needs of our customers.