The South Bend-Elkhart area has thrown its hat into the ring for a shot of landing up to $50 million in state support for programs to boost workforce attraction and economic development efforts.
South Bend – Elkhart region is accepting submissions for Get READI South Bend-Elkhart. Proposals should include details about concepts, projects as well as goals, partners, impact and funding breakdown.
“The South Bend – Elkhart region has a strong track record of performing well under pressure, and this timeline is no exception,” said Regina Emberton, president and CEO of South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. “We are excited to see what communities across the South Bend – Elkhart region have in mind to shape a better future that advances economic growth, attracts and retains top talent.”
Proposals are sought for two categories:
- Regional Cities Projects are brick and mortar, quality of place projects that can have significant impact on the region.
- Strategy-Driven Programs and Projects should be aligned with one or more of the five advisory committees for strategic initiatives through the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. These committees include: Diversity, equity, and inclusion; entrepreneurship; education and workforce; industry growth; talent attraction and retention.
Submissions for consideration for inclusion in the Get READI South Bend-Elkhart proposal are due July 18.
Regional Cities Projects will be shared with the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Development Authority for consideration. Strategy-Driven Programs and Projects will be shared with the five advisory committees of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. Following the closure of the online form, the advisory committees will review and align programs and themes identified with the guidance of Fourth Economy, the third-party consultant engaged to support the region’s proposal development.
The state will announce its first round of funding decisions in December.
The state revealed the Indiana READI program in May, a $500 million workforce attraction and economic development initiative. State officials project the program will draw $2 billion of local public, private and philanthropic match funding to enhance other efforts to improve quality of place, quality of life, and quality of opportunity.
State officials hope the program will encourage collaboration between neighboring communities to dedicate resources that align with READI’s goals. Successful collaborative efforts could land awards up to $50 million from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to support the implementation of regional strategies.
