Reigniting Bloomington's Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Vision for the Future

Bloomington is at a crossroads. Once defined by trailblazing entrepreneurs and a thriving economy, our city now faces a stark choice: Will we rise to the challenges of the 21st century with the same bold ambition that built our past, or will we allow complacency to dictate our future? As cities across the Midwest invest heavily in innovation and entrepreneurship, Bloomington must act decisively to reclaim its place as a hub of opportunity — or risk being left behind. This is our moment to reignite the spirit of ambition that has always propelled us forward.

Bloomington's Legacy of Innovation and Vision

Bloomington’s history is a testament to entrepreneurial visionaries who shaped our city with bold ideas and unrelenting ambition. The Showers Brothers Furniture Company, for example, was once the largest furniture maker in the United States, employing innovative practices and inclusive workforce policies long before their time. The site of their factory now houses The Trades District, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Similarly, Sarkes Tarzian, an immigrant and trailblazer in the broadcasting industry, brought transformative industries to Bloomington, catalyzing significant local investments and employment. And, of course, the legendary Bill and Gayle Cook, whose entrepreneurial acumen built a global medical device empire while leaving an indelible philanthropic mark on Bloomington’s civic and cultural life.

These pioneers embodied ambitions that propelled Bloomington forward. Today, we need to rekindle that spirit to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

The Challenges at Hand for Bloomington

Despite our many advantages — such as Indiana University’s world-class research, proximity to a major naval base, and easy access via the I-69 corridor — Bloomington struggles to keep pace with peer cities. Our median household income is only 78% of the national average, and, alarmingly, our population is declining, particularly in the critical 25–50 age demographic.

This demographic, representing the workforce and entrepreneurial talent essential to our future, is leaving due to limited career opportunities, housing challenges and a perceived lack of peer community. Addressing these issues is imperative to retaining and attracting the talent necessary for Bloomington’s economic vitality.

A Catalyst for Change: The Mill and The Trades District

The Mill and The Trades District are at the heart of Bloomington’s response to these challenges. These spaces are designed to inspire and support ambition, serving as launchpads for startups and innovation.

The Mill, established in 2018, has quickly earned recognition as a premier center for entrepreneurship in Indiana and the Midwest. It provides critical resources — training, coaching and access to capital — while fostering a collaborative community where ideas and opportunities flourish.

The Trades District builds on this foundation with its strategic location along the I-69 corridor. Envisioned as a thriving innovation hub, it is a place where entrepreneurs, tech companies and creatives converge. Backed by a $16 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant and a vital partnership with Indiana University and the city of Bloomington, the district is evolving into a mixed-use neighborhood with “curated density,” offering the amenities and sense of community that appeal to the 25–50 age demographic.

Building Momentum

Key developments in the district underscore its transformative potential:

• The Forge: Bloomington’s newest Class A office building, designed to house both scaling startups and established tech companies, will now be the home of two Bloomington-based tech companies, Folia and ViVum AI, as they ‘graduate’ from The Mill.
• A venture design studio that creates new companies, now operates out of the Kiln adjacent to The Mill.
• Trades District Hotel: A premium hotel project will add food, beverage and hospitality options to enhance the district’s vitality.
• Placemaking Investments: Lilly Endowment Inc. grant funding is supporting public art, events and enhanced streetscapes to foster a unique District identity.

Additionally, the District’s remaining four acres of developable land offer opportunities to attract AI and tech firms, leveraging Bloomington’s proximity to IU’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering and the Kelley School of Business.

Founding Director: Pat East on stepping down, the future of Bloomington's The Mill

The Leadership Behind the Vision

This progress is a testament to visionary civic leadership, particularly that of Pat East, The Mill’s founding executive director. Under his guidance, The Mill has become a cornerstone of Bloomington’s startup ecosystem, setting a high standard for what’s possible when ambition meets execution. As Pat leaves The Mill later this spring, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of bold leaders.

A Call to Action

Bloomington’s success hinges on embracing a renewed sense of ambition. The challenges we face — stagnant incomes, a declining population and fierce competition for talent — require a bold vision and collective effort. By investing in our startup ecosystem and leveraging the assets of The Mill and The Trades District, we can ensure that the next Showers, Tarzian or Cook will emerge from our community.

This is our moment to reclaim the spirit of innovation and ambition that has defined Bloomington’s past. Together, we can seize this opportunity to build a brighter future — one fueled by creativity, collaboration and a shared determination to thrive.

John Fernandez is interim executive director of The Mill, a nonprofit entrepreneurship center on a mission to build and nurture Bloomington's startup ecosystem.