Lower Lincoln and WeCreate Media
Former honoree takes stage as spark for igniting entrepreneurial spirit
Mentor and business owner Wade Breitzke established Lower Lincoln in downtown Valparaiso to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the space, guidance and tools needed to level up.
“I launched Lower Lincoln to create a dynamic space where entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses could come together in a community built on collaboration, innovation and growth,” he said. “My vision was to foster a creative ecosystem that not only provided entrepreneurs with resources, but also a vibrant environment for growth, education and mentorship.”
Lower Lincoln is a site for entrepreneurial events, including 1 Million Cups meetings, Elevate Venture Demo Days, educational seminars and the NEXT & We Create Accelerator Program. The location offers co-working opportunities, event rentals, collaborative networking and innovative succession planning.
“Through my role, I hope to have made a lasting impact by empowering entrepreneurs across generations, helping them navigate the often-complex path of building a business,” he said. “My personal passion lies in succession planning for legacy businesses, and through this, I aim to help them balance innovation with tradition. I want them to see that growth and success are not just about profit but about building something meaningful that can transcend generations.”
Wade has propelled his vision as founder and CEO of his marketing agency, WeCreate Media, into a mentorship that reaches throughout the Region. A former E-Day Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he has served as a judge for the NWI Regionals of the Innovate WithIN high school business pitch competition in addition to working with entrepreneurs one-on-one.
“Being an advocate for our business community is personal to me. I grew up here, and I’ve seen firsthand how entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy,” he said. “By championing them, I’m investing not only in the future of these businesses but in the strength and resilience of our entire community. It’s important to me to be a voice that encourages others to dream bigger, reinvest in their ideas and take the bold steps that drive lasting change.”
Wade also worked with leaders to help secure funding for the Northwest Indiana Forum’s “Ignite the Region” initiative as another avenue to bolster entrepreneurship.
“I genuinely enjoy what I do because I thrive on seeing ideas take shape and witnessing the transformation of potential into reality. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being part of an entrepreneur’s journey—from the spark of an idea to seeing them stand confidently in their success. It’s about more than just business; it’s about being a part of people’s stories, their dreams and their legacy.”
Lower Lincoln
212 E. Lincolnway in Valparaiso