Grow Wabash County & Downtown Wabash Inc. team up to help small businesses test ideas

Wabash County, IN (May 11, 2026) – Grow Wabash County, in partnership with Downtown Wabash Inc., is excited to once again sponsor a shared community booth for the 2026 Wabash Farmers Market season. 

The booth is designed for individuals of any age, from anywhere, who are interested in testing a business concept in Wabash County. This no cost opportunity allows aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners to pilot products, gather customer feedback, and evaluate demand in a real‑world setting before making larger investments. As one of the most well attended weekly events in downtown Wabash, the farmers market provides direct access to hundreds of potential customers each Saturday from May through September. 

This is an intentional part of Grow Wabash County’s broader to "Start Local, Grow Local" approach to entrepreneurship support which is focused on helping people move ideas from concept to launch and toward long-term sustainability. Through accessible test-market opportunities, business navigation, and connections to trusted partners, Grow Wabash County works to reduce barriers and support entrepreneurs at every stage. 

Grow Wabash County is the countywide economic development and chamber of commerce organization focused on supporting entrepreneurship, small business growth, workforce development, and overall community vitality. Through partnerships, programming, and one‑on‑one support, the organization helps entrepreneurs access education, advising, and resources tailored to their individual goals. 

Downtown Wabash Inc. serves as the city of Wabash's Main Street organization, working to strengthen downtown Wabash through business development, placemaking, events, and community collaboration. By hosting the Wabash Farmers Market and creating welcoming public spaces, Downtown Wabash Inc. plays a key role in helping new and existing businesses connect with residents and visitors alike. 

"It is our great honor to build a magical space where dreamers can begin the journey of sharing their passions and skills with the community. The entrepreneurial heart is the very center of the Wabash Farmers Market, and the amazing byproduct is connecting our community directly with impressive artisans, growers and makers. The Farmers Market provides vendors with a platform to test their product, grow their audience, and learn business skills. We are thrilled to see the futures that are set into motion through the Grow Wabash County Entrepreneur booth this summer,” said Mikka Hunt, Downtown Wabash Executive Director. 

Together, Grow Wabash County and Downtown Wabash Inc. collaborate to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to test ideas locally, build confidence, and grow roots in Wabash County. 

Grow Wabash County also continues its loan programs for small businesses and partnerships with the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) and the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), providing access to experienced entrepreneurship coaches and advisors who offer free, confidential, and judgment free guidance on topics such as business planning, pricing, operations, and growth strategy. 

“Entrepreneurs and startups bring energy, creativity, and opportunity to Wabash County,” said Jana Thibos, Investor Services & Events Project Manager at Grow Wabash County. “Providing a low-risk way to test ideas helps people learn faster, build momentum, and make informed decisions about what comes next. Our goal is to help people start local, grow local, and flourish.” 

Those interested in reserving a market date to use the community booth can here: https://bit.ly/4tSGOpv