Step-up, Inc Indy
Step-Up, Inc. is an Indianapolis 501(c)(3) non-profit providing free HIV/STI/HCV testing, HIV care case management, prevention services (PrEP, PEP, syringe services), and re-entry programs for justice-involved populations across central Indiana and 12 state correctional facilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Step-up, Inc Indy does
Step-Up, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community health organization founded in Indianapolis on January 1, 2003, by community members personally affected by the HIV epidemic. It delivers a coordinated platform of HIV/STI/HCV testing, HIV care case management, prevention services (PrEP, PEP, syringe services), and re-entry support for justice-involved populations. Core service lines include free confidential HIV/STI/HCV testing by appointment or walk-in, person-centered HIV case management with wrap-around services (housing, employment, insurance, mental health), the Syringe Service Program, HepLink linkage-to-cure HCV treatment, and the INPEP/OutPEP peer education programs operating in 12 Indiana Department of Correction facilities and partner communities. The organization also runs the No Entry youth diversion program in partnership with local schools.
The technology footprint is intentionally light: an online scheduling platform (stepup.as.me), telehealth through an on-site IU Virtual Clinic partnership with IU Positive Link (opened October 2023), and standard organizational SaaS. There is no proprietary AI/ML capability. Service delivery relies on a community-led go-to-market model — street outreach, late-night bar testing, community events, peer educators, and partnerships with bars, healthcare providers, and correctional facilities — rather than digital marketing.
The business model is grant-funded non-profit operations with no fees charged to clients. Revenue streams consist of government grants (Marion County Public Health Department Ryan White Services, Indiana Department of Health), foundation and corporate grants (Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, CICF, Indianapolis Foundation, CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, The Glick Fund), and individual donations. Geographic scope is regional, centered on Indianapolis and central Indiana with corrections-facility reach statewide. The organization is governed by a board chaired by Eric David and led by President & CEO Michael Martin Drain.
Step-up, Inc Indy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Step-up, Inc Indy
- Legal name
- Step-Up, Inc.
- Website
- https://www.stepupin.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Step-Up, Inc. is an Indianapolis 501(c)(3) non-profit providing free HIV/STI/HCV testing, HIV care case management, prevention services (PrEP, PEP, syringe services), and re-entry programs for justice-involved populations across central Indiana and 12 state correctional facilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Step-up, Inc Indy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Health Services
- NAICS
- Social Assistance (624), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Health, Prevention & Health Education (BPAGACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- HIV/AIDS Medicine (HLAKAGAB), Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)
Keywords
Where Step-up, Inc Indy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Step-up, Inc Indy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Grants: Funding from government sources including Marion County Public Health Department Ryan White Services and Indiana Department of Health for HIV care, prevention, and re-entry services
- Foundation & Corporate Grants: Funding from health foundations including The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, Indianapolis Foundation (CICF), CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, Central Indiana Community Foundation, and The Glick Fund
- Individual Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individuals via PayPal or check, with suggested donation amounts starting at $4.00 for bus passes
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free HIV & STD Testing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Step-up, Inc Indy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Step-Up, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community health organization that provides free HIV and STD testing, HIV care case management, prevention programs (PrEP navigation, syringe services, harm reduction), and reentry services for justice-involved populations. Programs are delivered through walk-in and appointment-based testing, person-centered case management, peer education in correctional facilities, and community-based street outreach across central Indiana.
Product overview
Step-Up, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community health organization offering a coordinated suite of healthcare and support services. The organization operates as a unified service platform centered on HIV/STI prevention and care, with distinct programs including free testing services, the PrEP prevention program, an on-site IU Positive Link virtual clinic, syringe service program, HIV care case management, and re-entry services for justice-involved individuals. Key specialty programs include HepLink (Hepatitis C treatment linkage), INPEP/OutPEP peer education programs operating in correctional facilities and communities, the No Entry youth diversion program, and the Connections Plus community navigator initiative. These services are integrated to provide comprehensive wrap-around support addressing both individual health needs and social determinants of health.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HIV & STD Testing Free and confidential testing services for HIV, STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis), and Hepatitis C, available by appointment or walk-in during business hours at the Step-Up office and partner community venues.
- PrEP Program Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication program that prevents HIV transmission when taken as prescribed, reducing risk by 99% from sex and 74% from injection drug use. Navigation services provided by the Connections Plus team.
- IU Positive Link Clinic On-site virtual clinic partnership with IU Positive Link offering PrEP and other health services, including telehealth consultations via the IU Virtual Clinic platform.
- Syringe Service Program (SSP) Community prevention program providing sterile syringe access, injection equipment, infectious disease testing, overdose prevention supplies, and linkage to substance use disorder treatment. Operates weekly at Aspire Indiana Health.
- HIV Care Services Person-centered case management and wrap-around services for individuals living with HIV, including insurance navigation, housing assistance, medical care coordination, and medication access.
- Re-Entry Program Services improving health and well-being for people impacted by the criminal-legal system through individualized care plans with wrap-around supports including employment, mental health treatment, and medical care navigation.
- HepLink Linkage to cure program providing Hepatitis C testing, education, and treatment services for individuals with history of incarceration, partnering with Connect to Cure. Achieved a 30% cure rate among referrals.
- INPEP (Indiana Peer Education Program) Peer health education program implemented in Indiana Department of Correction facilities, providing critical health education and disease prevention through trained peer educators. Operates in 12 facilities with 400+ certified peer educators.
- OutPEP (Outside Peer Education Program) Community adaptation of INPEP providing health education in communities disproportionately impacted by HIV, HCV, and STIs, with peer educators hired following their release.
- No Entry Program Youth diversion program partnering with local schools to identify at-risk youth and provide comprehensive support including education, employment readiness, and mental resilience training. Recognized by Mayor Joe Hogsett.
- Health Intervention Program Public health approach providing education, recovery assistance, harm reduction supplies, and safer practices for substance use to decrease negative health consequences.
- Connections Plus Program Community navigator program providing education and resources to people at risk for HIV/HCV and STDs through referrals to PrEP and other prevention resources.
Quantifiable outcome
- 71% retention rate in housing and employment for individuals served
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Step-up, Inc Indy
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Step-up, Inc Indy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Step-up, Inc Indy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- IU Positive LinkcoreStep-Up officially opened an on-site clinic through partnership with IU Positive Link, introducing the PrEP program and IU Virtual Clinic for expanded access to essential health services including HIV prevention medications and telehealth consultations.
- Indiana Department of CorrectioncorePartnership with IDOC to implement INPEP (Indiana Peer Education Program) in correctional facilities. Program operates in 12 facilities (expanded from 10 in 2025) and has certified over 400 peer educators who have educated nearly 4,000 peers. INPEP ECHO expanded to Edinburgh and Heritage Trails Correctional Facilities in 2025.
- Indiana Department of HealthcoreState health department partnership for INPEP program implementation along with Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU-Indianapolis. Also major funder for HIV prevention and care services.
- Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU-IndianapoliscoreAcademic partnership for INPEP peer health education program implementation in Indiana Department of Correction facilities, providing research and educational expertise.
- Connect to CurecoreHepLink program works in partnership with Connect to Cure for HCV linkage to cure services. Connect to Cure maintains referral process with Indiana Department of Correction for HepLink services.
- Aspire Indiana HealthminorStep-Up's Syringe Service Program operates every Monday 2-6pm out of Aspire Indiana Health's primary care building at 2506 Willowbrook Pkwy.
- Health Care Education and Training, Inc. (HCET)minorPartnership with HCET to implement Power Through Choices program providing comprehensive sex education to system-impacted youth.
- Bell Flower ClinicminorCommunity partner providing testing referral coupons ($20 value) for free HIV/STD testing or treatment services at Bell Flower Clinic included in safer sex kit packets.
- Community Partners NetworkminorNetwork of bars, social venues, and community organizations including The Bag Ladies, Progress House, The Living Room Lounge, IndyProv, English Ivys, Zonies Closet, The Works, Pink Slip, Sovereign Imperial, Club Indianapolis, Gregs, Metro, Downtown Ollys, Indiana Crossroads Sisters who support programs and distribute resources.
- OutPEP Community PartnersminorCommunity partners for Outside Peer Education Program (OutPEP) include Madison County Problem Solving Court, Horizon House, Voices Corp, Pando Aspen Grove, IU Health, and RecycleForce who host peer educators and provide community education.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Step-up, Inc Indy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Damien Center: Indianapolis-based AIDS service organization offering HIV care, prevention, housing, and wraparound services. Most direct local peer given overlapping mission, same geography, and broader service scope; Step-Up competes and partners for the same Ryan White funding pool.
- Cascade AIDS Project: Portland-based HIV/AIDS service and LGBTQ+ health organization offering testing, PrEP, housing, and care coordination. Closely mirrors Step-Up's integrated HIV-services-plus-social-support model.
- Prism Health North Texas: Texas-based LGBTQ-focused HIV/STD testing, PrEP, and care organization. Mirrors Step-Up's prevention-plus-care stack with similar community-led outreach.
- San Francisco AIDS Foundation: Long-standing integrated HIV prevention, testing, PrEP/PEP, harm reduction, and care organization. Same continuum-of-services model as Step-Up (testing + PrEP + SSP + care navigation) though operating at much greater scale in a different geography.
- Bell Flower Clinic: Marion County public STI/HIV testing and treatment clinic; Step-Up distributes Bell Flower referral coupons in its safer-sex kits and shares Disease Intervention Specialist talent. Comparable in testing/prevention scope and overlapping client base.
- Howard Brown Health: Chicago-based LGBTQ-focused FQHC providing integrated HIV testing, PrEP, care, and behavioral health. Highly comparable operating model — community-led prevention plus clinical care — though at meaningfully larger scale.
- GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis): NYC-based HIV/AIDS service organization offering testing, prevention, care coordination, and wraparound support. Directly comparable integrated HIV services and case management model, though operating in a much larger urban market.
Others
- Marion County Public Health Department: Local public health authority that funds Step-Up's Ryan White HIV care work and whose Disease Intervention Specialists Step-Up has hired. Acts as funder, convener, and partial competitor for HIV-related public health contracts.
Broad incumbents
- AIDS United: National HIV/AIDS umbrella and advocacy organization that funds and convenes regional ASOs including alumni of AmeriCorps programs Step-Up recruits from. Comparable mission at national scale rather than direct service delivery.
Emerging players
- Indiana Recovery Network: Indiana harm reduction and recovery advocacy organization with syringe access and naloxone distribution. Adjacent rather than directly competing; Step-Up's SSP operates from Aspire Indiana Health, partly overlapping with this peer ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Step-up, Inc Indy social profiles
Digital presenceStep-up, Inc Indy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Step-up, Inc Indy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Step-up, Inc Indy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
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Step-up, Inc Indy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Step-up, Inc Indy
What does Step-up, Inc Indy do?
Step-Up, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community health organization that provides free HIV and STD testing, HIV care case management, prevention programs (PrEP navigation, syringe services, harm reduction), and reentry services for justice-involved populations. Programs are delivered through walk-in and appointment-based testing, person-centered case management, peer education in correctional facilities, and community-based street outreach across central Indiana.
Is Step-up, Inc Indy a public or private company?
Step-up, Inc Indy is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Step-up, Inc Indy founded?
Step-up, Inc Indy was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Step-up, Inc Indy based?
Step-up, Inc Indy is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Step-up, Inc Indy make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Grants are the primary driver. The others are foundation & Corporate Grants and individual Donations.
Who are Step-up, Inc Indy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Damien Center, Cascade AIDS Project, Prism Health North Texas, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Bell Flower Clinic, Howard Brown Health and GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis). Marion County Public Health Department is listed as an others. AIDS United is listed as a broad incumbent. Indiana Recovery Network is listed as an emerging player.
Does Step-up, Inc Indy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Step-up, Inc Indy.
What industry is Step-up, Inc Indy in?
Step-up, Inc Indy's product category is Community Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAC, Community Health, Prevention & Health Education, with a secondary code of HLAKAGAB, HIV/AIDS Medicine. Its NAICS code is 624 and its SIC code is 8000.