Indiana Wesleyan University will be joining its partners the Grant County Growth Council and Marion native, Shelby Bowen, to sponsor The Refinery Business Center for the new program’s ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will present the new space, introduce The Refinery’s mission and feature Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann as the honorary guest to join in the ribbon cutting. The event is open to the public and will be held at The Refinery at 2301 S. Western Avenue, Suite D in Marion, Indiana.
The Refinery is a Marion-based co-working environment offering entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and students an affordable work environment. Members are provided a professional work environment, free Wi-Fi, printer access and conference rooms in addition to the opportunity to collaborate with local professionals. An art gallery will be a regular rotation for the co-working space. Permanent desk space is also available at an additional monthly charge. The spaces will also be utilized for large events and private meetings. Membership is $350 per year for an individual entrepreneur and $199 per year for an IWU student, staff or faculty member.
Through this new partnership, IWU students will have the opportunity to intern for a variety of businesses in various industries. Not only will it give them invaluable work experience prior to graduation, but also it will allow them to take part in growing a business from the ground up.
This partnership is great for students because it's local, it's convenient and it provides them the opportunity to work alongside local business owners and entrepreneurs, or become entrepreneurs themselves,” said Carol Brown, associate dean of Life Calling and Career.
Through the Lilly Endowment Grant, IWU will regularly provide developmental opportunities to Indiana entrepreneurs and students at The Refinery. The University is compiling a pool of experts—such as legal counsel and successful, seasoned entrepreneurs—to come in and provide workshops free of charge to members and students.
For more information about The Refinery, visit www.TheRefineryCenter.com.