What is READI?
The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) is an ambitious program designed to foster collaboration amongst local communities and promote data-driven, long-term planning that will help attract and retain top talent in the area. READI was launched by Governor Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). With a massive $500 million fund, READI aims to foster regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning to bring the best and brightest to Indiana.
“Indiana is uniquely positioned to make transformational investments in our communities that will catalyze economic and population growth for years to come. READI will lead the nation in encouraging regional collaboration, and it will equip Indiana regions with the tools and resources needed to implement strategic investments in quality of place and innovation, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our state for residents and for future generations of Hoosiers.”
Governor Eric Holcomb
Who We Are
Welcome to East Central Indiana. Our region is home to the hardest working, most tenacious, generous, and inventive people in the state. We know how to dig deep, push beyond the status quo, and rise to meet challenges.
East Central Indiana is an exceptional place to grow a business, pursue professional goals and personal passions, and raise the next generation. It’s an exceptional place to get involved and make a real difference.
READI 1.0
In 2021, eight ECI counties (Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, and Wayne) developed the Forge Your Path Regional Development Plan as part of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)‘s READI initiative.
The plan represents the hard work, goals, and shared aspirations of nearly 400,000 ECI residents and hundreds of organizations and businesses across 67 cities and towns.
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, east central Indiana’s regional economic development organization, provides infrastructure and support to promote cohesion across these efforts.
READI 2.0.
In 2023, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) announced a second round of the READI initiative. Throughout the planning process, the team gathered information, engaged members of the public, formed strategies, and developed an updated plan for the region. In April 2024, East Central was awarded $35 million in READI 2.0 funding. The allocation represents a remarkable $20 million (133%) increase in support compared to READI 1.0.