Forge ECI

07/27/2026

A transformational Creative Corridor project in downtown Muncie has been awarded READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding, helping bring a bold vision for arts, culture, and community to life.

The project will strengthen connections between Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Muncie Civic Theatre, MadJax Maker Force, and the Carnegie Branch of the Muncie Public Library, creating a vibrant destination for artists, creative entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors. Planned improvements include public art, enhanced gathering spaces, improved accessibility, wayfinding, and future trail connections that will further elevate downtown Muncie as a regional arts and culture hub.

At Forge ECI, we're proud to support initiatives that strengthen quality of place, fuel economic development, and celebrate the creativity that makes East Central Indiana unique.

East Central Indiana's Creative Corridor has received READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding to transform downtown Muncie through arts, placemaking, public spaces, and regional collaboration.

06/15/2026

A Norfolk Southern-served industrial site in south Muncie has earned Gold REDI Site certification, a designation that signals the site is ready to compete for major industrial investment and job creation opportunities. With direct rail access, strong infrastructure, and connectivity to key transportation corridors, the site is well-positioned to attract companies in advanced manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and other target industries.

Read more about what this designation means for Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana's continued economic growth: https://www.munciejournal.com/2026/06/norfolk-southern-served-industrial-site-in-south-muncie-earns-gold-redi-certification/

By Katie Byrd— MUNCIE, IN—A Norfolk Southern-served industrial site in Muncie, Indiana has earned Gold REDI Site certification, positioning the site to attract future investment and jobs to the region. Indiana has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment on a per capita basis, twi

06/11/2026

Regional collaboration was front and center at the Forge ECI Annual Luncheon!

Mayors from Hartford City, Marion, Gas City, New Castle, Union City, Rushville, and Richmond joined business and community leaders to discuss the opportunities, investments, and partnerships shaping the future of East Central Indiana.

The conversation highlighted progress in housing, workforce development, infrastructure, quality-of-place initiatives, and economic growth—while reinforcing the power of communities working together to create lasting impact.

The event also celebrated the success of READI investments across the region. East Central Indiana currently ranks among the state's top-performing READI 1.0 regions, with more than 90% of awarded funds already invested in transformative projects that are strengthening communities and improving quality of life.

Read the full press release below.

Forge ECI's Annual Luncheon brought regional mayors together to discuss economic development, READI investments, workforce growth, and regional collaboration.

06/10/2026

Wayne County communities have a new opportunity to bring redevelopment projects to life through the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program. Designed to support commercial redevelopment, housing creation, accessibility improvements, and downtown enhancements, the program is expected to leverage nearly $17 million in public and private investment across the county.

From storefront improvements and upper-story housing to historic preservation and business growth, these investments will help strengthen the downtown districts that serve as the heart of Wayne County's communities.

Eligible applicants in 12 Wayne County communities can apply for grants of up to $200,000, with the first application round open now through July 27.

Learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and how this initiative is helping build vibrant, thriving downtowns across Wayne County in our latest blog: https://grow.forgeeci.com/new-downtown-revitalization-grant-program-launches-in-wayne-county/

Wayne County's new READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program will support commercial redevelopment, housing creation, and private investment in downtown districts across the county, leveraging nearly $17 million in public and private funding.

06/09/2026

Recently, Forge ECI joined economic development leaders from across the country at the SelectUSA Investment Summit—the nation’s premier event for attracting international investment. The experience provided valuable opportunities to showcase the strengths of our nine-county region, build relationships with site selectors and global business leaders, and share the story of why East Central Indiana is a great place to live, work, and invest. SelectUSA connects communities with companies looking to expand in the United States, creating opportunities that can lead to future jobs, investment, and growth.

Economic development doesn't stop at county or state lines. It requires telling our story, building connections, and ensuring East Central Indiana remains visible in conversations happening around the world.

Read more about the experience and what it means for our region's future: https://grow.forgeeci.com/representing-east-central-indiana-on-a-global-stage-reflecting-on-selectusa/

Forge ECI Executive Director Caitlin Hancock joined Team Indiana at the SelectUSA Investment Summit to strengthen partnerships, promote regional opportunity, and support economic growth across East Central Indiana.

05/11/2026

Proud to have our President & CEO, Caitlin Hancock, representing East Central Indiana at the SelectUSA Investment Summit alongside partners from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Indiana Economic Development Association.

Events like SelectUSA create opportunities to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and share Indiana’s story on a national and global stage. Throughout the week, Team Indiana came together to highlight the innovation, workforce strength, and community collaboration that continue driving growth across our state.

At Forge ECI, we know that regional success is built through connection and collaboration—and we’re excited to bring that momentum back home to East Central Indiana.

05/06/2026

Congratulations Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance!

As IEDC commemorates its 100th anniversary, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of IEDC's Accredited Economic Development Organization program.

🎉 Please join us in celebrating the EDOs that have maintained this gold-standard accreditation for 25 years or more, demonstrating a long-term commitment to excellence and high performance.

✅ Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance
✅ Huntington Area Development Council-HADCO
✅ Tyler Economic Development Council
✅ Laredo Edc
✅ Beacon Council

Learn how your organization can join the ranks of these exemplary EDOs: https://www.iedconline.org/pages/aedo/

04/30/2026

Creativity is more than expression—it’s part of how communities grow, connect, and stand out.

As Indiana continues to invest in arts and culture, stories like this remind us why it matters. From humble beginnings using dryer lint to a global artistic legacy, Muncie artist Ann Johnson’s journey reflects the kind of creativity, resilience, and innovation that fuels vibrant communities.

This is exactly the kind of talent and storytelling that strengthens quality of place and helps define East Central Indiana.

By E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center— MUNCIE, IN—While local artist Ann Johnson is well known in art circles across the United States and abroad, many people do not fully understand the breadth of her experiences and accomplishments. She has led an extraordinary life, personally and professionally,...

04/29/2026

Got an idea… but not sure how to actually build it? 🤔

MadJax Small Business Week starts with sessions focused on getting your foundation and finances in place.

Monday, May 4
Business Planning → what goes into a strong, sustainable plan
🔗 https://www.madjax.org/events/small-business-week-business-planning

Tuesday, May 5
Bookkeeping Essentials → systems, QuickBooks, and staying organized
🔗 https://www.madjax.org/events/small-business-week-bookkeeping-essentials

Wednesday, May 6
Capital & Community → how to get “bank-ready” and access funding
🔗 http://madjax.org/events/small-business-week-capital-and-community-mwh77

Because building something is one thing.
Building it right is what makes it last.
Free sessions. Lunch included. Spots are limited.

04/29/2026

Grants for small businesses are real, and they can pay off. A business owner in our region recently learned they were selected for one of 500 national $20,000 AMEX Shop Small Grants. It happened because they applied. It started because someone shared the opportunity.

Our partners at the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center want to make sure Grant County entrepreneurs never miss the next one.

Sign up for personalized small business grant alerts through the ISBDC. The quick questionnaire helps them match you with opportunities that fit your business, including grants for specific industries or underserved communities that don't get broadly announced.

👉 Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddkZI_7P76NgsQgP3UFSoAzQDcrPrPo76LD1ZKGt0Z36-zhQ/viewform

Two opportunities are open right now:
🔹 Verizon Small Business Digital Ready — 10 grants of $10,000 awarded monthly, June–December. Apply once, be considered all year. Priority given to businesses in low-to-moderate income communities.

🔹 Intuit Small Business Heroes — Three grants of $20,000. Deadline: May 15. Requires a nomination from someone other than the owner — so if you know a business that deserves recognition, nominate them.

Grant money doesn't come around often. Sign up so you're ready when it does.