2026 Founder Factory
Spend the day with the founders, investors and mentors building businesses in South Bend, Elkhart and across Indiana. Founder Factory is three separate events in one day. Register for one session, or all three.
9:00 AM | From Story to Strategy: Turning Your Expertise into a Growth Engine
With Lauren Steffes
Learn how to turn your experience into intellectual property, new revenue and a stronger market position.
12:00 PM | INVESTED 2.0: An Ayana Founder Readiness Workshop
With Kristi Straw and Dr. Lesley Robinson
Figure out what investment your next move requires, and leave with a clear 90-day priority and a stronger, more specific ask.
5:00 PM | Beyond Revenue: Building a Business That's Actually Valuable
With Theresa Fette Founder & CEO of Retired.com
Meet the serial founder behind companies in financial services, fintech and commercial infrastructure, including Retired.com, with more than $12B in assets under custody.
