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Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

business attraction, site selection, target industries, advanced manufacturing, I-69, business retention and expansion, workforce data, duke energy

Marketing & Attraction: How We Tell Grant County’s Story and Who Needs to Hear It

Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

business attraction, site selection, target industries, advanced manufacturing, I-69, business retention and expansion, workforce data, duke energy

Say "marketing" and most people picture billboards and slogans. In economic development, it's matchmaking. It’s finding companies whose needs fit what a place already has, and giving them an honest reason to look. Part of our Growing Grant County series on targeting, positioning, ethical lead generation and the two numbers that matter.

Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

business attraction, site selection, target industries, advanced manufacturing, I-69, business retention and expansion, workforce data, duke energy

Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

access to capital, small business financing, grants, SBA loans, CDFIs, bank-ready, capital stack, Grant County Indiana, economic development, entrepreneurship, ISBDC, IEDC, revolving loan fund

Access to Capital 101: Grants, Loans, CDFIs, and What It Really Means to Be 'Bank-Ready'

Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

access to capital, small business financing, grants, SBA loans, CDFIs, bank-ready, capital stack, Grant County Indiana, economic development, entrepreneurship, ISBDC, IEDC, revolving loan fund

In this edition of Growing Grant County, we break down the three forms of business financing, grants, debt, and equity, show you how a capital stack actually works, and explain what 'bank-ready' really means. Plus, three grant opportunities open right now that Grant County businesses should know about.

Growing Grant County, Economic Development 101

access to capital, small business financing, grants, SBA loans, CDFIs, bank-ready, capital stack, Grant County Indiana, economic development, entrepreneurship, ISBDC, IEDC, revolving loan fund

Executive Director 11/19/25 Executive Director 11/19/25

Business Talk: A Countywide Connection Point for Grant County Entrepreneurs

The City of Marion’s new Business Talk Breakfast series is open to all Grant County entrepreneurs. This relaxed monthly gathering offers small business owners a welcoming space to network, share ideas, and strengthen the countywide business community. Learn more about the upcoming holiday-season events and how to get involved.

Executive Director 11/14/25 Executive Director 11/14/25

Small Town, Big Plans: Economic Development in Swayzee, Indiana

Swayzee, Indiana — a rural town of fewer than 1,000 residents — is embracing a bold 10-year growth plan to revitalize its downtown, harness remote-work trends, expand broadband, and build from its agricultural roots without losing its small-town charm.

Executive Director 10/31/25 Executive Director 10/31/25

Indiana Senator Andy Zay’s Candid Take on Property Tax Reform

In a frank presentation in Marion, Indiana, State Senator Andy Zay admitted he never supported the property tax reform law now facing implementation — putting local officials in the difficult position of executing a law they didn’t write.

Executive Director 10/21/25 Executive Director 10/21/25

Van Buren, Indiana: Popcorn Capital's Economic Growth and Small-Town Quality of Life

Explore how Van Buren, Indiana blends industrial success with small-town charm. Learn about major employers like Weaver Popcorn, local entrepreneurship, and community-driven quality of life that make Van Buren a rising star for business and residents.

Executive Director 10/14/25 Executive Director 10/14/25

Marion, Indiana: A Renaissance Rooted in Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Community

Explore Marion, Indiana’s resurgence—anchored in manufacturing, healthcare expansion, education partnerships, and downtown revitalization. Ideal for site selectors, investors, and future residents.

Executive Director 9/23/25 Executive Director 9/23/25

Gas City's Growth and Appeal: A Small City with Big Potential

Gas City, Indiana is experiencing a surge of growth in housing, business, and community life. With new developments, expanding city limits, and a thriving local culture, this Grant County gem is proving that small cities can have big potential.

Executive Director 9/11/25 Executive Director 9/11/25

Matthews, Indiana: Bridging Heritage and Opportunity

Discover Matthews, Indiana — a small town with a rich gas boom heritage, a famous covered bridge, and a thriving community spirit. From historic industry roots to modern entrepreneurship, outdoor recreation, and the beloved Covered Bridge Festival, Matthews is a hidden gem of Grant County with big potential for residents, tourists, and investors.

Executive Director 9/2/25 Executive Director 9/2/25

Sweetser, Indiana – A Vibrant Small Town in Grant County

Welcome to Sweetser! Founded in 1871, Sweetser, Indiana is a forward-thinking community that offers classic small-town living with quick and easy access to city amenities.

Executive Director 8/21/25 Executive Director 8/21/25

From Pioneer Roots to a Connected Future: Spotlight on Jonesboro

Jonesboro, Indiana is a small city with ample community spirit, nestled along the Mississinewa River in Grant County. Home to roughly 1,500 residents, Jonesboro is one of Indiana’s smallest incorporated cities by population.

Executive Director 8/13/25 Executive Director 8/13/25

Discover Upland, Indiana: Where Innovation Meets Small-Town Warmth

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the Town of Upland (population approximately 3,700) offers an inviting blend of small-town charm and forward-looking growth.

Executive Director 8/6/25 Executive Director 8/6/25

Spotlight on Fairmount, Indiana: A Small Town with a Big Heart

Fairmount, Indiana may be small in size—home to just under 3,000 people—but it's bursting with hometown pride and history. This close-knit community is famous for producing two American icons: actor James Dean and Garfield cartoonist Jim Davis.

Executive Director 8/4/25 Executive Director 8/4/25

Beyond City Hall: Why County Meetings Matter to Every Grant County Resident

Grant County Local Government: Why It Deserves Your Attention. As community members and professionals in Grant County, it’s crucial that we keep an eye on county-level decisions – they set the stage for our local business and living environment.

Executive Director 7/30/25 Executive Director 7/30/25

A Night to Remember: Forge ECI’s 20th Anniversary Gala

Last night was absolutely magical as Forge ECI — formerly the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership — unveiled its bold new brand at its 20th Anniversary Gala, held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana.

Executive Director 7/16/25 Executive Director 7/16/25

Welcome to the Team: Madison Dubovyi Joins GCEGC as Program Coordinator

We’re thrilled to welcome Madison (Madi) Dubovyi to the Grant County Economic Growth Council! Madi officially joined our team on Monday, July 7, and brings with her a wealth of experience in project management, marketing, and nonprofit service.

Executive Director 7/15/25 Executive Director 7/15/25

Grant County Communities Push Forward with Investment, Innovation, and Infrastructure

From new development to workforce investment, progress is happening across Grant County!

Executive Director 7/8/25 Executive Director 7/8/25

PRESS RELEASE - Marion’s Business Talk

The City of Marion is excited to welcome Megan Gilmore, a coaching and well-being educator and international speaker on cascading cultures of well-being and care, as the guest speaker for the Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN.

Executive Director 6/9/25 Executive Director 6/9/25

PRESS RELEASE – Marion’s Business Talk

The City of Marion is excited to welcome Keenan Davis, a seasoned business professional and State Farm agency owner, as the guest speaker for the Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Marion City Hall, 301 S. Branson St., Marion, IN.

Executive Director 6/6/25 Executive Director 6/6/25

Small Business Development Center Office Hours: Free Expert Guidance for Your Business

Got business-related questions? The Grant County Economic Growth Council is excited to host weekly office hours with Zina Bartle, the Ecosystem Navigator with the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Zina brings extensive business experience to the table and is passionate about helping local entrepreneurs succeed.

Executive Director 5/27/25 Executive Director 5/27/25

PRESS RELEASE – Marion’s Business Talk

The City of Marion is proud to feature Trent Dailey, owner and CEO of both GCA Title and Insurance Management Group (IMG), as the guest speaker for its Business Talk Small Business Series on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at Insurance Management Group, 959 East 4th Street, Marion, IN..

Executive Director 5/22/25 Executive Director 5/22/25

Grant County Economic Growth Council Awarded Duke Energy Partnership Program Grant

The Grant County Economic Growth Council (GCEGC) is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $5,000 grant through Duke Energy’s Partnership Program! This grant will help support our strategic marketing initiatives, designed to showcase the incredible assets of Grant County and foster continued economic growth and prosperity in our community.