Events for startups
SPARK BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION
If you’re an entrepreneur, creating a business plan is an essential stop on the startup road map, and the Spark Business Idea Competition paves the way to success. Here at The Mill, we’re on a mission to launch and accelerate high-potential companies. Join the next wave of innovation in south-central Indiana! Sign up for updates on the next competition.
Thank you to our 2020 spotlight sponsor!
CROSSROADS PITCH COMPETITION
October 13, 2021
Since its launch in 2017, Crossroads has grown to a state-wide pitch competition. It’s one of the best events for startups in Indiana, with applicants and finalists from South Bend, Evansville, Terre Haute, Anderson, Indianapolis, Fishers, West Lafayette, Columbus, and Bloomington, of course.
To find startups, we coordinate with investors like VisionTech and IU Philanthropic Ventures and with the 50+ coworking spaces throughout the state who are members of the Indiana Coworking Passport, among other outreach. Crossroads is free to attend and open to the public. Join us on pitch day—you will be amazed at the incredible ideas and passion bubbling up in our startup ecosystem!
Thank you to our 2020 spotlight sponsor!
CROSSROADS COLLEGIATE PITCH COMPETITION
Application deadline: April 12, 2021
Indiana’s biggest pitch competition is going to college! Crossroads Collegiate attracts rising stars from colleges and universities across Indiana to pitch for $5,000 in cash before a panel of distinguished judges.
STARTUP WEEKEND
Twice a year, The Mill hosts TechStar’s Startup Weekend. Startup Weekend is for everyone! If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to start a business, Startup Weekend is a fun way to explore the process. You’ll meet people, share ideas, form teams, and pitch to win. Come to play, or come to watch. Startup Weekend is a fast ride through crazy ideas and big dreams!
Connect with great people, get inspired, and innovate at Startup Weekend! No experience necessary. Sign up to receive updates.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Flyover PODCAST FESTIVAL
In addition to events for startups, The Mill offers events for the general public. Podcasting has become an important way that startups, independents, and entrepreneurs explore creative ideas to build community, raise visibility, and hook new business. But it’s also just plain fun! The Mill is the home of the awesome Shine Insurance Podcasting Studio, where our members produce terrific podcasts.
The Flyover Podcast Festival at The Mill in Bloomington, Indiana, is where the Midwest podcast scene connects and thrives. Experienced and aspiring podcasters alike enjoy a jam-packed schedule of creative, technical, and business-savvy podcasting innovation. Join the movement as we transform our “flyover” states into the crossroads of all things podcasting! Subscribe to updates on our next festival, and check out the great podcasts produced at The Mill.
Thank you to our 2020 spotlight sponsor!
INNOVATION WEEK
Hackers and bots. Machines that learn. Cybercrimes and cybercops. The future is now, and it’s right here in Bloomington.
Explore the exciting world of AI, cybersecurity, and tech at Innovation Week. Innovation Week 2020 was awesome! Check out the sessions on our YouTube channel, and sign up for updates on the 2021 event.
thank you to our 2020 Innovation Week sponsors!
The mill code school
The Mill in partnership with gener8tor, with support from the City of Bloomington, IN, created The Mill Code School: a free skills training program for software development for residents of Bloomington. No degree or experience required. Get new job opportunities! Learn new skills! Learn more about gener8tor’s upskilling here.
And read about our first cohort on our blog!
South bend code school
It’s not just for South Bend! The Mill hosts a Bloomington session where kids learn the power of coding by programming their own games, projects, and websites. A future in tech is possible for anyone. SB Code School lights the way.
Kids leave the program excited about tech and equipped with computer science skills that will serve them well later in life. But for today, it’s just plain fun!
“At The Mill, our Bloomington South Bend Code School students learn in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. It’s exciting to offer classes in a place that supports our mission and work, and allows our business to build community with other Bloomington entrepreneurs.”
To learn more about SB Code School, or to sign up, visit their site.
All classes are held at The Mill and taught by SB Code School. Fees apply, but you may be eligible for a scholarship through the school.
BUSINESS AWARDS
fuse business innovation awards
The FUSE Business Innovation Awards recognize the accomplishments of both companies and individuals in Bloomington’s thriving technology and innovation scene.
fast 15 Awards
The Fast 15 awards recognize the 15 hottest, fastest-growing companies in Bloomington—and starting in 2020, Bloomington’s MVP employees. Great companies need great talent, and vice versa! We celebrate their successes to showcase the opportunities in Bloomington.
Best places to work Bloomington awards
The Best Places to Work awards happen across the nation every year. Best Places to Work Bloomington is a joint project among The Herald-Times, The Mill, and BEDC (Bloomington Economic Development Corporation) that celebrates Bloomington’s top employers.