Forge ECI

10/13/2026

Nearly $3 million in READI Downtown Revitalization Grants has been awarded to 19 businesses and property owners, supporting more than $17.2 million in total investment across Wayne County!

From restoring historic buildings and improving storefronts to creating new housing opportunities, these investments are helping strengthen local businesses, revitalize downtown districts and build communities where people want to live, work and visit.

And the momentum continues! 🚀

Round 2 is now open, with up to $1 million in additional funding available for eligible projects. Applications are due November 9, 2026.

At Forge ECI, we know that investing in our downtowns is investing in the future of East Central Indiana. These projects are another example of our communities recognizing their potential and investing in themselves.

🔗 Read our latest blog to learn more about the impact of these investments and how to apply for Round 2: https://grow.forgeeci.com/wayne-county-downtown-revitalization-grants-generate-more-than-17-million-in-investment-with-second-round-now-open/

Wayne County's READI 2.0 Downtown Revitalization Grants have supported $17.2 million in investment. Learn about Round 2 funding and how to apply.

09/22/2026

Ryan Homes recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and open house for the first completed home at Brookfield Farms, a READI 2.0-supported housing development in Henry County.

With 19 homes already sold and room for 83 homes in the neighborhood, Brookfield Farms is creating new opportunities for families and individuals to put down roots in East Central Indiana.

Forge ECI President & CEO Caitlin Hancock and our team were excited to join local leaders and development partners to celebrate this milestone. It’s another example of how regional investment is helping our communities grow, attract talent, and expand housing options.

Read more about Brookfield Farms and what this project means for Henry County in our latest blog!

Ryan Homes celebrates the first completed home at Brookfield Farms in New Castle. The READI 2.0-supported development will bring new housing opportunities to Henry County.

09/18/2026

Forge ECI’s Caitlin Hancock joined Gas City Mayor Bill Rock Jr., Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and other community leaders to sign a steel beam at the future Gas City YMCA, marking another exciting milestone for this READI 2.0-supported project.

“We spend a great deal of time on the administrative side of the program so it's always genuinely rewarding to be able to go into our communities and celebrate progress alongside them — to see a project like this take shape, knowing it will give families across Grant County and East Central Indiana better access to health and recreation,” Caitlin said.

Supported by $1.263 million in READI 2.0 funding, the new YMCA will bring expanded opportunities for health, wellness, recreation and community connection to Grant County.

The signatures may eventually be hidden inside the completed building, but the impact of this investment will be visible for years to come.

👉 Read more about the project and this latest milestone: https://grow.forgeeci.com/leaving-a-mark-gas-city-ymca-celebrates-construction-milestone/

09/16/2026

Our President & CEO, Caitlin Hancock, recently brought a regional perspective to two important conversations about the future of East Central Indiana—joining Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to discuss Muncie’s growing creative economy and participating in IBJ Media’s Innovate East Central Indiana panel alongside leaders from business, education, philanthropy and entrepreneurship.

From arts and culture and quality of place to workforce, business growth and regional collaboration, both conversations reinforced an important message: East Central Indiana is stronger when we work together.

Read our latest blog to learn more about the conversations, the investments shaping our communities, and how collaboration is helping move our region forward.

https://grow.forgeeci.com/caitlin-hancock-brings-east-central-indianas-regional-perspective-to-statewide-conversations/

Forge ECI President & CEO Caitlin Hancock joined regional leaders at Innovate East Central Indiana to discuss economic growth, investment, workforce, and opportunities shaping the region’s future.

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.