GRANT COUNTY
Enriches Experience
Nominations Open for 2026 Economic Impact Awards in Grant County
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards. Help recognize the individuals, businesses, and projects driving growth in Grant County—submit a nomination or learn more today.
Business Retention and Expansion: Helping Existing Employers Grow
Most economic growth starts with the employers already here. This post explains how a listen-first Business Retention & Expansion approach can help Grant County businesses solve problems early, coordinate support, and grow with confidence.
Tell Us What's Happening: A New Way for Grant County Businesses to Stay Connected
A new initiative is making it easier than ever for Grant County businesses and organizations to share their news, events, and updates. Learn how this tool helps strengthen connections, increase visibility, and keep the community informed and engaged.
A Practical Path Forward: Free Workshop Series Continues for East Central Indiana Entrepreneurs
In economic development circles, there is often a tendency to talk about entrepreneurship in broad, aspirational terms—innovation, disruption, growth. But on the ground, in communities like those across East Central Indiana, entrepreneurship is far more personal. It is measured in long hours, careful decisions, and the quiet determination to build something that lasts.
Community Listening & Stakeholder Mapping: Building the Coalition and Trust
Economic development works best when people trust the process. This guide explains how community listening and stakeholder mapping help align voices, build coalitions, and turn shared priorities into real progress in Grant County.
Grant County's Economic Snapshot: Jobs, Industries & Trends — How to Read the Data
Economic development doesn’t happen by accident. This introduction to Economic Development 101 explains how shared local vision turns into priorities, projects, and funding opportunities through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process—and how regions like Grant County can work together to build a stronger economic future.
Planting the Apple Tree: Invest in Grant County’s Future
A legacy gift to the Grant County Economic Growth Council Endowment Fund helps ensure long-term economic growth, stability, and opportunity for future generations in Grant County, Indiana.
READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Grant Opportunity Now Open for Regional Projects
A new funding opportunity through the READI 2.0 LEI Arts & Culture initiative is now open for organizations across East Central Indiana. Learn about eligibility, upcoming workshops, and how regional partners can apply for funding to support arts, culture, and creative placemaking projects.
PRESS RELEASE: Retirement of Executive Director Chuck Binkerd
After decades of service in local government, utilities leadership, and economic development, Grant County Economic Growth Council Executive Director Chuck Binkerd has announced his retirement. The Growth Council reflects on Binkerd’s contributions to regional collaboration, infrastructure development, and economic momentum in Grant County while outlining the transition process and next steps for the organization.
Growing Grant County: From Shared Vision to Measurable Projects
Economic development doesn’t happen by accident. This introduction to Economic Development 101 explains how shared local vision turns into priorities, projects, and funding opportunities through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process—and how regions like Grant County can work together to build a stronger economic future.
Exit 255 Listening Sessions: A Community Conversation About Grant County’s Future
Grant County residents are invited to learn more about the Exit 255 (I-69 / SR 26) interchange area and share feedback through a public survey and five listening sessions in March. This post summarizes what the 2025 feasibility study examined, what to expect at each session, and how to participate before any decisions are made.
Growing Grant County: What Economic Development Is (and How You Can Plug In)
The first post in our “Growing Grant County” 101 series. Learn what economic development really means in Grant County, Indiana — and discover two ways you can get involved this quarter.
Free Virtual Workshop Series for Entrepreneurs in East Central Indiana
Looking for free business training in East Central Indiana? Join the Grant County Economic Growth Council for a comprehensive virtual workshop series for entrepreneurs. Designed to support our region’s ‘high-road’ strategy, these sessions provide startups and small business owners with the essential workforce skills and startup tools needed to convert local ideas into sustainable jobs.
Indiana's Economic Road Map for 2026: What Local Businesses and Workers Should Watch
What do tariffs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty mean for Indiana, and for Grant County? Insights from the 2026 Indiana Economic Outlook highlight a slowing economy, mounting pressure on manufacturers, and why workforce, education, and long-term planning matter more than ever.
Converse, Indiana: Innovation Rooted in Reality
Explore how Converse, Indiana blends history, small-town charm, and economic revitalization - from thriving Main Street shops and horse racing heritage to new housing developments and the legacy of motorcycle legend Ray Creviston.
Up to $15,000 Available to Help Indiana Small Businesses Access Expert Services
Indiana small businesses can access up to $15,000 in matching grant funds through the Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP) to offset the cost of eligible professional services.
Business Tax Questions? Get Free Answers at January Small Business Talk
Grant County business owners are invited to a free Small Business Talk on January 21 at Marion City Hall, featuring guidance from the Indiana Department of Revenue and local CPAs. Open to all businesses and start-ups—no cost and no registration required.
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program: An Opportunity for Community-Centered Businesses to Grow
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program offers funding opportunities for for-profit small businesses that strengthen their communities.
Making Free Business Expertise Accessible Across Grant County
Free, confidential business consulting is available to every Grant County entrepreneur through a partnership between the Grant County Economic Growth Council and the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center—bringing expert guidance, resources, and support directly to local businesses.
Why Every Business Story Matters as Grant County Closes Out 2025
As Grant County reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to 2026, countywide participation in a brief business and investment survey plays a critical role in capturing the full picture of local economic growth, community investment, and workforce progress—ensuring every contribution helps shape what comes next.