Evolving Entrepreneurs Accelerator and Archive
Your story deserves to be documented.
Entrepreneurs shape culture, create opportunity, and build the economic landscape of their communities. Yet many of their stories live only in memory.
Evolving Entrepreneurs exists to ensure that their work, presence, and impact are documented and preserved in real time. This is a creative entrepreneur accelerator based in Indianapolis, Indiana supporting founders building legacy through creativity. It features business development as well as serving as a storytelling program for entrepreneurs.
Creative entrepreneurs in:
Media
Fashion
Music
Art
Culture
Food
Creative business
Evolving Entrepreneurs is one of the only creative entrepreneur accelerators in Indianapolis combining business development and storytelling. Selection is competitive and based on alignment, readiness, and story significance.
What is Evolving Entrepreneurs?
Evolving Entrepreneurs Archive is produced by Midwest Leak, a cultural documentation platform founded in Indianapolis.
Evolving Entrepreneurs is both:
• A professional development accelerator
• A storytelling series documenting entrepreneurial legacy
Participants strengthen their business infrastructure while working with Midwest Leak to document their journey through professional media production.
Each participant becomes part of the Evolving Entrepreneurs Archive, a cultural record preserving the stories of entrepreneurs shaping their communities.
A limited number of entrepreneurs will be selected based on alignment, readiness, and commitment. Applications close March 6, 2026.
What Participants Receive
Each Evolving Entrepreneur receives professional development and media assets designed to support long-term growth, visibility, and legacy.
Participants receive:
• Professional story profile production
• Professional photography and executive headshots
• Custom media kit and brand positioning
• Weekly Master Sessions and executive-level workshops
• Signature Product Starter Kit for revenue generation
• Public presentation and screening opportunity
• Media Access Opportunities
• Inclusion in the Evolving Entrepreneur Archive
• Professional network and long-term community access
Participant Benefits in Detail
Professional Story Profile Production
Each participant is professionally filmed and photographed as part of the Evolving Entrepreneurs storytelling series.
This includes guided interviews, studio and on-location filming, and a completed signature story profile documenting their work, perspective, and impact.
This profile becomes a permanent professional asset that can be used for press opportunities, speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and long-term visibility.
Professional Photography and Executive Headshots
Participants receive professional portrait photography designed for business and media use.
These images strengthen credibility and can be used for press features, websites, speaking engagements, partnerships, and grant applications.
Custom Media Kit and Brand Positioning
Each participant receives a professionally designed media kit aligned with their brand identity and business goals.
This includes:
• Professional biography development
• Brand positioning language
• Visual media kit design
• Photography integration
• Guidance for partnerships, bookings, and press
Participants leave with professional materials that support real opportunity.
Weekly Master Sessions and Executive-Level Workshops
Participants engage in structured Master Sessions designed to strengthen both business infrastructure and leadership capacity.
Topics include:
• Financial foundations and revenue strategy
• Legal structure and business protection
• Brand positioning and audience development
• Booking strategy, pricing, and negotiation
• Technology systems and operational efficiency
• Storytelling, messaging, and public presence
• Mental health and sustainable creativity
• Strategic partnerships and opportunity development
Sessions focus on real-world application.
Signature Product Starter Kit
Each participant receives funding and guided support to develop a signature branded product aligned with their business.
This includes customized items such as apparel, accessories, or branded materials designed to:
• Create new revenue streams
• Strengthen brand identity
• Support business growth
• Provide product development experience
Participants leave with tangible, revenue-ready brand assets.
Media Access Opportunities
Participants may receive exclusive access to cultural events, leadership convenings, and public platforms through Midwest Leak.
These opportunities allow participants to expand their network, increase visibility, and document their work in real-world environments.
Access is extended based on availability and alignment.
Public Presentation and Screening Opportunity
Participants are featured in a public presentation where their story profile is shared with community members, business leaders, and creative professionals.
This provides:
• Professional exposure
• Audience growth
• Press visibility
• Public presentation experience
This event marks a major professional milestone.
Inclusion in the Evolving Entrepreneur Archive
Each participant’s story becomes part of the Evolving Entrepreneur cultural record.
This ensures their work and impact are documented as part of the cultural and economic landscape.
Participants join a growing network of documented entrepreneurs.
Professional Network and Long-Term Community Access
Participants gain access to an ongoing network of entrepreneurs, collaborators, and industry professionals.
Participants remain part of the Evolving Entrepreneur community beyond program completion.
Program Timeline
Orientation and Intake
March 11, 2026
Creators’ Club Master Sessions
March 18 – May 6, 2026
Production and Media Development
May 13 – May 26, 2026
Creative Entrepreneurship Fair – Capstone
May 31, 2026
Season 1 Screening and Celebration
June 4, 2026
Official Program Completion
June 4, 2026
Who This Is For
Evolving Entrepreneur is designed for creative entrepreneurs actively building businesses and shaping culture.
Participants are:
Building a brand, business, or body of work rooted in creativity
Operating independently or leading a small team
Ready to strengthen their business infrastructure
Interested in documenting their story as part of the cultural record
Committed to growth and consistent participation
This program is especially valuable for entrepreneurs who:
• Are already building momentum
• Are known within their community or industry
• Are ready to expand their professional positioning
• Want professional media assets
• Want sustainable revenue growth
• Want their story permanently documented
Evolving Entrepreneur is for individuals building legacy in real time.
The Evolving Entrepreneur Archive
The Evolving Entrepreneur Archive is a cultural record preserving the stories of entrepreneurs shaping the economic and creative landscape of their communities.
Each Archive Record documents their work, presence, and impact as it unfolds.
We are writing and capturing history in real time.
Apply
Applications close March 6, 2026. Selection is competitive. Participation is limited.
A limited number of entrepreneurs will be selected based on alignment, readiness, and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Evolving Entrepreneurs is fully supported for selected participants. The program provides professional development, media production, and business resources at no cost to those selected.
Where is the program held?
All sessions, filming, and program activities take place in person at Midwest Leak Studio in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Participants must be able to attend in person.
How many entrepreneurs will be selected?
Selection is competitive. Participation is intentionally limited to ensure each entrepreneur receives meaningful support, professional documentation, and individualized attention.
What is the time commitment?
Participants attend weekly Master Sessions, scheduled filming days, and the final public presentation.
The program runs from March through early June 2026.
Participants are expected to actively engage in both the professional development and storytelling components.
What kind of entrepreneurs should apply?
Evolving Entrepreneurs is designed for creative entrepreneurs who are actively building a business or brand rooted in creativity.
This includes entrepreneurs working in media, fashion, visual art, music, culinary arts, storytelling, and cultural production.
Applicants should already be building and ready to strengthen their business and document their story.
Do I need to have a fully established business?
No. Entrepreneurs at different stages are welcome to apply.
However, applicants should be actively working on their business and prepared to participate fully.
What is the storytelling component?
Each participant is professionally filmed and photographed as part of the Evolving Entrepreneurs storytelling series.
This process documents their journey, work, and impact.
Participants receive professional media assets and become part of the Evolving Entrepreneur cultural record.
Will I own the media created about me?
Participants receive copies of their professional media assets for their own professional use.
Midwest Leak retains the right to include the work as part of the Evolving Entrepreneur storytelling series and cultural record.
This ensures long-term preservation and presentation.
What is the Signature Product Starter Kit?
Participants receive funding and support to develop branded products aligned with their business.
This helps participants create new revenue opportunities and strengthen their brand identity.
What happens after the program ends?
Participants remain part of the Evolving Entrepreneur community and cultural record.
They continue to benefit from increased visibility, professional assets, and network access.
How are participants selected?
Applications are reviewed based on:
• alignment with program mission
• readiness for growth
• commitment to participation
• strength and significance of their story
Selection is intentional and competitive.
When will I know if I am selected?
Applicants will be contacted directly after the application review process is complete.
Why does this program exist?
Evolving Entrepreneurs exists to ensure that the work and impact of creative entrepreneurs are documented and preserved as part of the cultural and economic landscape.
We are writing and capturing history in real time.
What happens if I miss sessions?
Participants are expected to attend and engage fully. The program is designed as a complete experience, and participation is essential.