2024 was a transformative year for The Mill. Our mission, vision, and values evolved to better reflect our role in building a thriving startup ecosystem. We took bold steps, formed new partnerships, and made significant investments in innovation, all while supporting an ever-growing community of entrepreneurs, founders, and remote workers.
Here are some of the year’s biggest milestones:
- The Forge Grand Opening – We officially opened Bloomington’s premier Class-A office space for scaling startups, marking a major milestone in the growth of the Trades District.
- $16M CCC Grant – Partnering with Indiana University and the City of Bloomington, we secured funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. to accelerate the development of the Trades District.
- Startup Acceleration – Our programs engaged 132 founders, expanded across the 11-county Uplands Region, and supported startups through initiatives like Flywheel Fund, which raised over $1 million and was named one of the most active early-stage investors in the Great Lakes region.
- Code/IT Academy Growth – We provided free tech training to 184 participants, with record-breaking 85 enrollments in the Fall cohort and expanded career counseling and workshops.
- Innovation Week & Global Recognition – Bloomington ranked as the 3rd most active city for Global Entrepreneurship Week, with The Mill as the 8th most active organization worldwide.
- Bloomington Remote Impact – The program recruited 25 households, 59 total movers, and generated over $8.8 million in annual economic output.
- Crossroads Pitch Competitions – We celebrated our 20th Crossroads competition, providing a launchpad for Indiana’s top startups.
- Community & Collaboration – We worked with more partners, entrepreneurs, and founders than ever before, proving that innovation thrives when we build together.
As we reflect on 2024, we are energized for the road ahead. Thank you to our incredible community for your passion and support. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and building a stronger, more connected ecosystem.
📖 Read the full 2024 Impact Report here.