News

Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grants

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Conexus Indiana are partnering to make available $200,000 matching grants for companies committing to increasing their competitiveness by integrating smart technologies and processes into their facilities. These technologies include are not limited to Industrial IoT, sensors, COBOTS, additive manufacturing (3D printing), big data analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, AI, blockchain, AR or VR, and advanced communications (5G, etc.).

Despite pandemic, Allen reaches $1 billion in building permits for 4th straight year

The Allen County Building Department registered $1 billion in permits for the fourth straight year, despite having to cope with the unexpected demands of COVID-19.

During a news conference this morning, county officials gave the value of permits issued from Jan. 1 to Dec. 3 as $1.237 billion, with the number of permits standing at 29,345, compared to 30,133 for all of last year.

WE+YOU South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership Launches Video Series

In the 4 video in the series, I&M's own Shelley Klug talks about the shovel-ready land and spec buildings available throughout the Michiana region. She is joined by James Turnwald, executive director of Michiana Area Council of Governments who provides an overview of 2020 accomplishments.

New Grants Available for Michigan Small Businesses

Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative to provide $10 Million in COVID-19 relief. The Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize federal CARES Act funding to award grants of up to $15,000 to small businesses across Michigan, with applications available beginning December 15, 2020.

Noble County Economic Development Corp. Launches New Brand “Be Noble”

The new brand "Be Noble" is a call to action to businesses looking to start or expand in Northeast Indiana and for individuals exploring relocation. The new website www.onenobleco.com features a more user friendly design allowing the user streamlined access to data, resources and available properties. The rebranding effort strives to emphasize the unparalleled workforce development system, great quality of life, affordable cost of living and collaborative spirit in the community.

Forbes Recognizes Up and Coming Fort Wayne

Forbes Magazine featured a story on Fort Wayne as Northeast Indiana's cultural hub highlighting the up and coming city. Investments in the new Bradley boutique hotel, The Landing, as well as more regional attractions are leading to an influx of people and businesses.

Restore Your Economy – Resources for Communities

The International Economic Development Council has long maintained a platform of resources and case studies to assist communities during economic downturns. www.restoreyoureconomy.org

Business Resources for COVID-19 Impacted Industry

AEP and Indiana Michigan Power remain committed to helping its customers prevail through the international health emergency impacting businesses and workers worldwide. The following is a list of resources for Indiana and Michigan customers. If you have an Indiana Michigan Power service question, please call 1-800-311-4634 (Indiana) or 1-800-311-6424 (Michigan).

I&M Receives Approval for New Solar Facility in St. Joseph County

A new 20 megawatt solar field will be installed near the Indiana Toll Road and Bittersweet Road in St. Joseph County, Indiana. The University of Notre Dame will support 40 percent of the facilities' attributes. The facility will be operational by late fall of 2020.

IDEA Center Launches 32 Startup Companies in 2019

The University of Notre Dame's IDEA Center provided wrap around services for entrepreneurs of 64 startup companies in 2019 that went through a rigorous process to be considered for the program.