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Plaka collaborates with entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities to design, build, and drive innovative solutions that address social and economic challenges.  


*Plaka is a Certified WBE with the State of Indiana

Thomas Edison

Founder
Courtney Zaugg-FINAL-5 (2).jpg

Economic Developer turned entrepreneur. Innovation consultant, construction company owner, and real estate, too. Veteran supporter, wife, mom, gym go-er. (Definitely not in order of significance.)

 

Young Adult Life

Born in Chicago, raised in Indy by restaurant entrepreneurs (that’s the Greek in me). Attended the University of Indianapolis by playing a lot of softball. Left softball for Athens, Greece to finish university. Lived in the Plaka neighborhood, in the shadow of the Acropolis (and where old and new beautifully bond together). Moved to NYC and worked in the art world. Moved to Brussels, Belgium for grad school. Finished my dissertation and moved back to Indy. Met a Marine.

 

2008 - Present

Started my economic development career at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation working to attract foreign investment. Did the same for Develop Indy. Married the Marine. Supported local economic development for the City of Noblesville. Moved into consulting January 2014. Worked across the country with rural and urban communities, start-ups and corporations. Had a daughter. Started remodeling and real estate investment companies while still consulting on economic development and entrepreneurship. Launched Plaka, a tech startup, and an accelerator for military entrepreneurs. And the best is yet to come.

Expertise: Entrepreneurship + Innovation

Throughout my career, I have amassed comprehensive experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and tech. As an entrepreneur for nearly seven years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in enhancing workforce and learning experiences. I have been involved in the development and implementation of various entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, including leading a national accelerator program for entrepreneurs and building a local accelerator program that supports small businesses in their growth and sustainability. 

I've helped communities design and build their innovation ecosystems and elevate their economic development strategy through the use of my proprietary methodologies in site certification and with my national experience teaching entrepreneurship-led economic development. 

My previous roles with a venture capital firm and as a partner at a venture studio provided me with valuable skills in program development, startup mentorship, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. I have successfully fostered the growth of startups, launched successful entrepreneurship programs, and built strategic partnerships across the US.

At the end of the day, I like to build things and help others build, too. Let's chat if you want to partner!

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Let's Talk.

10 S. New Jersey St.

Suite 300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

317-517-5390

courtney@plakaassociates.com

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