Gov. Braun highlights new businesses, financing and workforce efforts in southern Indiana at Bloomington event
At a Bloomington event on 2026-10-19, Gov. Mike Braun said the 10-county Indiana Uplands region has secured $71.7 million in capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses and has added more than 50 businesses since Jan. 2025; he also cited $60 million in state READI funding and other support, WISH-TV reported.
Gov. Mike Braun, speaking in Bloomington on 2026-10-19, highlighted economic growth in southern Indiana’s 10-county Uplands region, saying his office estimates $71.7 million in capital secured for entrepreneurs and small businesses and that the region has added more than 50 businesses since January 2025, according to WISH-TV.
Braun noted $60 million in state READI funding for community development and said additional funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. will support selected blight remediation and arts and culture projects. He pointed to the region’s defense industry — including Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane — ties to Indiana University, and recent company expansions by Kratos, Prometheus Energetics, Simtra BioPharma Solutions and Wabash Valley Foods. Braun delivered the remarks to hundreds of business leaders at an IBJ Media Innovate Indiana regional event, WISH-TV reported; Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said regional partnerships are helping communities attract businesses and develop workers.
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