DePauw Stories

Greencastle, IN – April 7, 2025 – Monday morning, the Greencastle community gathered at Music on the Square for a heartfelt celebration of National Main Street Day, hosted by Main Street Greencastle and Growing Green and Gold Together (GGaGT). The Downtown Business Breakfast brought together entrepreneurs, city officials, and community leaders for a morning of connection, reflection, and exciting announcements.

Kate Knaul, Executive Director of Main Street Greencastle, opened the program by acknowledging the resilience and creativity of local businesses, and the importance of preserving Greencastle’s unique downtown identity.

“Greencastle is a community with a rich history, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a downtown full of potential,” Knaul shared. “Despite challenges like rising costs and ongoing road construction, our Main Street continues to be a place of pride, creativity, and connection.”

She went on to highlight recent progress made by Main Street Greencastle, including a reinvigorated board, new advisory committees focused on economic development and placemaking, and an upcoming website launch.

“We’re proud to be part of the national movement to preserve and revitalize historic downtowns,” she said. “Downtown Greencastle is the heart of our city, and by working together, I know we can unlock its full potential.”

Knaul introduced Mayor Lynda Dunbar, noting her commitment to infrastructure, business resources, and visible support for local initiatives. Mayor Dunbar spoke to the city’s investment in downtown and the importance of collaboration in driving growth.

Dionne Jackson, DePauw University Vice President for Institutional Equity and Executive Team Member for the Growing Green and Gold Together Initiative, followed with the day’s major announcement: the launch of the Existing Business Cohort Program, New Business Cohort Program, and the Small Business Grant Program. In association with Main Street Greencastle, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, these new initiatives are designed to equip both new and existing businesses with resources and mentorship.

 The New Business Cohorts is a program designed to guide entrepreneurs through starting and sustaining a successful business.  Members will learn how to create a lean business model, conduct market research, and successfully launch their venture.  The cohort will also cover branding, social media presence, expanding customer base, and important legal matters associated with owning a business.  Throughout the program members will have access to valuable resources to help achieve their goals.

The Existing Business Cohort focuses on assessing the business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.  Members will engage in targeted programming designed to enhance these areas, and receive valuable feedback from fellow business owners, helping them refine their processes and drive growth.  

The accompanying Small Business Grant Program offers up to $25,000 for new businesses and up to $50,000 for existing businesses.  These grants provide targeted support for those businesses or entrepreneurs located within the Main Street Greencastle footprint and who take part in one of the Cohort Programs.  These funds may be used for supporting needs like rent assistance, branding, equipment upgrades, expanding operations, and interior or exterior improvements among other possible uses.

Tammy Keenan, Main Street Greencastle Board President, closed the program by reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building a thriving, welcoming downtown for all. Tammy shared her own experiences in owning and operating a business downtown, and encouraged business owners to take advantage of the resources available to them.

To learn more about the cohort and grant opportunities, contact Jason Chew at DePauw University, or Kate Knaul at Main Street Greencastle.  The following email address can be contacted for additional information growinggreenandgoldtogether@depauw.edu.

The Robert C. McDermond Center for Management & Entrepreneurship 2025 Spring Pitch Competition 

On March 8th, over 30 DePauw students showcased 21 innovative business proposals at the Galleria at the Inn at DePauw—each aimed at revitalizing historic downtown Greencastle. The event, held in partnership with the Growing Green and Gold Business Accelerator, gave students the chance to present their ideas to a panel of expert judges and an engaged community audience. 

Winners of the competition include: 

1st Place: Oasis Mini Golf – Feroza Murad, Eli Ellis, Chau Anh Cao 

2nd Place: Tiger Trail Tours – Membi Mtsi 

3rd Place: Raritee – Jordan Faily 

Honorable Mention: Flyers – Clark Simpson 

 “We’re proud to provide a platform for student innovation that connects DePauw with the Greencastle business community,” said Steven Fouty, Director of the McDermond Center. Special thanks to judges Kate Knaul, Eric Wolfe, Chris Hebb, and Ken Eitel, and to moderator Dave Bittner of the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center.

About Growing Green and Gold Together

The "Growing Green and Gold Together" initiative is a collaborative effort by DePauw University and the City of Greencastle to support local development and enhance the quality of life for all residents. With generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc.'s College and Community Collaboration, the project is addressing critical community needs. 

About Main Street Greencastle

Main Street Greencastle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community partnerships to develop and support projects and events that highlight downtown’s historic architecture. Its mission is to create a vibrant space for both residents and visitors while also supporting local businesses and organizations.

About Indiana Small Business Development Center

The Indiana SBDC was established in 1985 with funding support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and State of Indiana and has worked with over 50,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses. With a network of 10 regional offices throughout the state, the Indiana SBDC helps Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses start stronger, grow faster, and work smarter.