The Chapter One Business Incubator

The Chapter One Business Incubator program empowers promising entrepreneurs in Southern Indiana. Our program is designed to help you explore and develop your business idea into a successful for-profit venture. We’re looking for applicants who are in the idea or very early stage of their business.

We offer a structured program to help you refine your business concept, prepare for the market, and get ready to pitch for non-dilutive seed funding. Our program is a great fit for entrepreneurs who are passionate about their idea and ready to make a significant economic impact in the region.

Table of Contents:

Questions? Let us know! Please email us at businessincubator@jefflibraryfoundation.org.

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Is This Program Right for Me?

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must reside in or plan to serve one of these five Southern Indiana counties:
  • Clark County
  • Floyd County
  • Harrison County
  • Washington County
  • Scott County
• Your business must be a for-profit venture.
• Your startup must be incorporated in Southern Indiana or you must commit to registering there upon acceptance into the program.
• Your business should be in the idea stage or have less than $10,000 in total revenue over the last six months.
• You must not have secured more than $10,000 in dilutive funding from sources like venture capital or angel investors (friends & family rounds do not count).
• Your business idea must be your original concept and not infringe on any existing intellectual property rights.

All industries are welcome, but your business must be scalable and show potential for economic impact, such as job creation or increased local investment.

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Important Dates & Selection Process

All sessions will take place at the Ann Disher Learning Lab at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a completed Online Application Form. Please provide all requested information accurately and completely.

1. Executive Summary (Max 2 pages)

A concise overview including:

• Team Overview (Who you are; Relevant experience; Why you are the right people)

• Problem Statement

• Proposed Solution (Product / Service)

• Target Market

• Value Proposition

• Brief Overview of Go-To Market Strategy

2. Founding Team Bios/Resumes (Max 2 pages):

Short bios for key team members, highlighting relevant experience, skills, and their roles.

3. Short Video Pitch (Max 3 minutes):

A compelling introduction to your idea, your team, and fit for the program. (Videos will be evaluated based on clarity, passion, understanding of the business concept, and overall communication skills. At this stage, we do not expect financial statements, or a prototype)

4. Agreement to Program Terms:

Acknowledgment that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by all rules and requirements.

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Chapter One Incubator Program Overview

Our program is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the essential stages of launching and scaling a business. The 10-session outline below provides a roadmap for turning your idea into a viable, market-ready venture. *Dates Are Tentative*

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What You’ll Gain from the Program

Mentorship and Workshops: The program includes required cohort sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings. These are designed to provide you with the guidance and knowledge you need to develop your business.

Secure Funding: Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to pitch your business at the Chapter One Final Pitch Event. This is a chance to present your business to judges and secure non-dilutive seed funding.

Library Resources: You are encouraged to use the Jeffersonville Township Public Library’s resources, which include databases, a maker space, a recording studio, and a podcast studio.

Post-Program Support: If you receive funding, you will become a client of the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) and commit to quarterly check-ins for 12 months to track your progress and ensure regional economic impact. You will also need to incorporate your business in Southern Indiana before receiving any funds and use a dedicated business bank account for your venture.

Networking: You will have the opportunity to actively engage with mentors, facilitators, and fellow participants.

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Chapter One Business Incubator: Terms & Conditions

This document outlines the eligibility criteria, program requirements, and general terms that all applicants and participants in the Chapter One Business Incubator program must agree to.  By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

1. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• The applicant must reside in or plan to serve one of the five eligible counties in Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Washington, and Scott Counties).
• Startups must either be incorporated in Southern Indiana or commit to registering there upon acceptance.
• Applicants should typically be in the idea stage or very early-stage of their business development (defined as pre-revenue or less than $10,000 in total revenue over the last 12 months).
• While a fully developed product is not required, applicants should have a clear and well-defined business concept or problem they aim to solve.
• Businesses that have already secured significant dilutive funding (defined as investments exceeding $10,000 from sources such as venture capital or angel investment beyond friends & family rounds) are not eligible.
• Applicants must be a for-profit venture.
• All industries welcome, but businesses must be scalable and demonstrate potential economic impact (e.g., potential for job creation, increased local investment, or expansion capacity beyond initial launch).
• Applicants must be 18 years or older.
• The business idea submitted must be the applicant’s original concept and not infringe upon existing intellectual property rights.

2. Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the Chapter One Business Incubator program, Participants are expected to actively engage in all aspects of the program to be eligible for the pitch event. Participants commit to:

• Active Participation: Attend all required cohort sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings.
  • Sessions will be held at the Ann Disher Memorial Learning Lab located at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library (211 E Court Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130).
• Meeting dates – which will take place from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – are as follows:
  • Jan. 13, 2026
  • Jan. 27, 2026
  • Feb. 10, 2026
  • Feb. 17, 2026
  • Feb. 24, 2026
  • March 10, 2026
  • March 24, 2026
  • March 31, 2026
  • April 7, 2026
  • April 21, 2026
  • Chapter One Final Pitch Event: May 5, 2026 6:00 – 8:30pm.
• Submit your executive summary, feasibility study, and other materials for the Chapter ONE Final Pitch Event.
• Engagement: Actively engage with mentors, facilitators, and fellow participants.
• Proof of Concept: Work towards a comprehensive proof of concept leveraging provided resources.
• Resource Utilization: Utilize Jeffersonville Township Public Library’s resources (maker space, recording studio, podcast studio, etc.) as needed (encouraged, but not mandatory; reservations may be required).
• Progress Reporting: Provide progress updates at the beginning/end of each session.
• Communication: Respond to program communications promptly (within 24 hours).
• Adherence to Guidelines: Comply with all rules set forth by the Chapter One Business Incubator and Jeffersonville Township Public Library.
• Pitch Presentation: Deliver a final pitch, executive summary, and feasibility study presentation.

3.  Funding and Pitch Eligibility

Only participants of the Chapter One Business Incubator program can pitch at the Chapter One Final Pitch Event. To be eligible for non-dilutive seed funding pitch event (Chapter ONE Final Pitch Event), program participants must:

• Attend all scheduled meetings, workshops, and mentor check-ins. More than one (1) unexcused absence may result in dismissal. (Absences must be excused in advance by notifying program management at least 48 hours before a session, except in cases of emergency.)
• Demonstrate measurable progress on product/service development.
• Show evidence of market validation or customer discovery efforts (such as customer surveys, interviews, letters of intent, or prototype feedback).
• Complete all deliverables/homework assigned by the facilitators.
• Pitch at the Chapter One Final Pitch Event on May 5, 2026.

Judges will determine the funding distribution based on the merits of the pitch, executive summary, and demonstrated market validation efforts.

4. Post-Program Requirements

Participants who are granted non-dilutive funding at the end of the program must adhere to the following requirements:

• Become clients of the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC).
• Incorporate their business in Southern Indiana upon successful completion of the program, before receiving any seed funding.
• Commit to quarterly check-ins with ISBDC advisors for 12 months after receiving program funding to track progress and ensure regional economic impact.
• Utilize dedicated business bank accounts for their venture. (Funding from The Chapter One Business Incubator will be distributed using the business account.)

5. General Provisions & Disclaimer

• The Chapter One Business Incubator program and the Jeffersonville Township Public Library Foundation reserve the right to modify these rules, dates, and program requirements as needed.
• All decisions regarding applicant eligibility and selection are at the sole discretion of the program organizers.
• Chapter One Business Incubator, IEDC, Jeffersonville Township Library Foundation, and Jeffersonville Township Public Library are not liable for business outcomes, funding success, or any losses incurred by the Participants.
• Please be aware that program funding is contingent upon an IEDC Community Collaboration Fund grant. Any changes to this grant may result in a loss of funding for the program. The Jeffersonville Township Public Library Foundation will not be held responsible in the event of a loss of state funding.

6. Participant Conduct & Intellectual Property

• We reserve the right to remove any Participant for violation of these Terms, disruptive behavior, or ethical misconduct. Participants must act professionally and respectfully toward other Participants, mentors, and staff and refrain from discrimination, harassment, or any illegal conduct.
• All IP created by the Participant during the Program remains the sole property of the Participant. The Program does not claim ownership unless otherwise agreed in a separate, written agreement.

7. Grant of Rights

You grant us the right to use your name, business name, and logo in promotional materials, unless you request otherwise in writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next program start?

The current program begins with sessions starting on January 3, 2026, and continues through April 21, 2026; the Final Pitch Event is on May 5, 2026.

Is there a cost to participate in the program?

This program is offered at no cost to all accepted participants.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

The application deadline is November 8, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews between December 1 through December 5, 2025. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by December 10, 2025.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

• Have not secured more than $10,000 in significant dilutive funding (venture capital, angel investors, etc., beyond friends & family rounds).

• Be 18 years or older.

• Reside in or plan to serve one of the five eligible counties in Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Washington, and Scott).

• Be in the idea stage or early-stage of their business (pre-revenue or less than $10,000 in total revenue over the last 6 months).

• Be a for-profit venture.

• Have an original business concept that does not infringe upon existing intellectual property.

What are the attendance and program expectations?

Active participation is a key requirement. You must attend all required cohort sessions, workshops, and mentorship meetings. More than one unexcused absence may result in dismissal from the program.

Does my business need to be incorporated in order to apply?

No, your business does not need to be incorporated when you apply. However, if you are accepted and receive non-dilutive funding, you must incorporate your business in Southern Indiana before receiving the funds.

What if I am not eligible for this Incubator? What other resources are available to me?

We encourage all entrepreneurs to seek support. The Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is a valuable resource for business guidance and is a great starting point for entrepreneurs in our region. Please contact Southeast Regions Ecosystem Navigator, Nicole Driscoll, NDriscoll1@isbdc.org

Still have questions? Let us know! Please email us at businessincubator@jefflibraryfoundation.org.

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