BLOOMINGTON, Ind.— Indiana Gov. Mike Braun pointed to new businesses, company expansions and workforce development efforts as signs of economic growth in southern Indiana during a Bloomington event Monday.
Braun spoke to hundreds of business leaders during IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana series, which is holding nine regional events across the state this year.
The 10-county Indiana Uplands region has added more than 50 businesses since January 2025, with $71.7 million in capital secured for entrepreneurs and small businesses, according to Braun’s office.
Several companies also have announced expansions or new jobs in the region, including Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in Daviess County, Prometheus Energetics in Greene County, Simtra BioPharma Solutions in Monroe County and Wabash Valley Foods in Dubois County.
Braun pointed to the region’s defense industry, including Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, and its ties to Indiana University as key parts of the area’s economic development strategy.
The region also secured $60 million in state READI funding for community development projects. Additional funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. will support selected blight remediation and arts and culture projects.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich said regional partnerships are helping communities attract businesses, develop workers and build on existing industries.
Braun said the goal is to attract more investment and create higher-paying jobs across the state.
