Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indy Chamber has begun a new season of recognition and opportunity for women in business, officially opening applications and nominations for the 2026 Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund. Announced on November 17, the launch continues a tradition built in memory of Jacqueline Troy, the former director of the Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, whose influence still shapes entrepreneurial efforts across the region. Her commitment to mentorship and advancement for women in commerce remains at the heart of this annual program.
The Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund, commonly known as JTIF, honors women-owned businesses or women entrepreneurs who reflect Troy’s passion for leadership and community-driven progress. For the 2026 cycle, two honorees will be chosen to receive award packages valued between $7,000 and $9,000. Each package includes either a $3,000 or $5,000 cash award, a full Indy Chamber membership, and year-long promotional support to elevate the recipients’ visibility.
Chamber officials stress that recognition through JTIF extends far beyond a financial boost. Winners are integrated into the Chamber’s communications throughout the year through official press releases, featured stories, online spotlights, and representation in event materials. This visibility aims to open new doors—strengthening partnerships, increasing exposure, and giving entrepreneurs the kind of momentum that can dramatically expand their reach.
Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, said the fund is designed to carry forward the values that guided Troy’s work. “The Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund honors Jackie’s remarkable leadership and her belief that women entrepreneurs have the power to shape a more vibrant economy,” said Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber. “Her legacy continues to uplift our region, and this fund ensures that her commitment to mentorship and opportunity lives on through the women building Central Indiana’s future.”
The 2026 award winners will be recognized during the annual Women in Business Retreat next spring, a gathering that brings together established and emerging leaders for collaboration, inspiration, and skill-building. Winners receive complimentary attendance, gaining a chance to participate in conversations and workshops alongside experienced businesswomen from various industries. Organizers say the retreat environment often leads to long-term networking relationships, potential partnerships, and new strategies for growth.
Past honorees illustrate the range of businesses that JTIF supports. The 2025 winners—Tasha “Chef T” Claytor of T Street Eatz and Montaneke Mitchell of Mitchell Electric—each brought unique expertise to the regional small business landscape, demonstrating the entrepreneurial diversity that the fund celebrates. Their stories, highlighted throughout the year by the Indy Chamber, also show how visibility and resources can directly help women-led businesses reach broader audiences.
This year’s application window runs from Monday, November 17, 2025, through Monday, January 19, 2026. Both applications and nominations are welcome, offering flexibility for community members who wish to highlight deserving business leaders in their networks. Interested applicants can visit the Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund Application – 2026 – Intellistack webpage for details on eligibility, guidelines, and the full submission process.
The Indy Chamber encourages women across Central Indiana who are building, expanding, or transforming their businesses to apply. Organizers believe that each new cycle of the Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund brings forward voices and ventures that strengthen the region’s economic future—continuing the work of a leader whose vision still inspires many.
