The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is working with the State of Indiana and the Indiana State Department of Health to closely monitor the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to continue supporting and providing resources for businesses
in partnership with local and regional organizations across the state.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
Gov. Holcomb announced the first confirmed Indiana coronavirus case and declared a public health emergency on March 6. On Dec. 1, Gov. Holcomb extended the state of emergency through
at least Dec. 31.
On May 1, Gov. Holcomb announced Indiana’s roadmap to safely reopen the state. The governor has used data to drive decisions since the first case of the novel coronavirus in early March. Visit BackOnTrack.in.gov to learn more about the state's guidelines and requirements.
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS
On March 18, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration for
the state of Indiana, making financial assistance available to Hoosier small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus.
FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE
On March 18, President Trump signed a relief package into law that provides paid leave benefits and additional unemployment benefits for U.S. workers. Read more
MULTI-AGENCY ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE TEAM
As stated in E0 20-18, Gov. Holcomb has directed the creation of a multi-agency enforcement response team, led by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to respond
to and investigate other violations of the new order. Much like the enforcement of the restaurant, bar and nightclub executive order, this team will be charged with helping business owners comply with the order before issuing a directive to close
a business.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
On March 23, Gov. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05, which states the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs may redirect funds to assist with COVID-19 needs based on guidance from the United States Housing and Urban Development. This program could help fund projects such as mobile testing areas or economic assistance packages for small businesses.
BUSINESS RESPONSE
On March 25, Gov. Holcomb announced the IEDC has spoken
to more than 1,000 businesses and economic development agencies in the last five days about ways to continue supporting the state’s economy as well as its front-line COVID-19 pandemic response workers.
INDIANA’S ECONOMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY TEAM
On April 10, Gov. Holcomb announced a taskforce to
plan, administer and account for federal relief funds the state of Indiana receives from the CARES Act. Indiana’s Economic Relief and Recovery Team will be chaired by Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Cris Johnston and Secretary
of Commerce Jim Schellinger. A committee of business leaders with extensive public service background will advise the chairs:
- Al Hubbard, former economic policy advisor and director of the National Economic Council for President George W. Bush, Luke Kenley, former Indiana state senator
- Luke Kenley, former Indiana state senator
- Ryan Kitchell, former OMB director
- Kristin Marcuccilli, Indiana Economic Development Corporation board member, and
- Becky Skillman, former lieutenant governor
- John Thompson, Chairman and CEO, Thompson Distribution Company
MIDWEST REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP TO ‘REOPEN ECONOMY'
On April 16, Gov. Holcomb, along with six other governors in the region, announced that they will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest, taking a fact-based, data-driven approach that will protect Hoosier families from the continued
spread of COVID-19. Read more
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY STABILIZATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
On May 29, the IEDC board of directors approved $10 million to launch the Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement (EASE) program aimed at supporting technology and operational advancements in the manufacturing industry, which has long been a key
driver of the state’s economy. EASE, which encompasses three complimentary initiatives, is designed to stimulate manufacturing investments that will position Hoosier operations, and the sector overall, for future growth and prosperity by prioritizing
startup investment and resources, technology modernization and development, and training assistance. The three EASE initiatives include:
- The new Smart & Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Focus Fund, which will make seed and early-stage investments and provide entrepreneurship resources to Indiana manufacturing-focused startups through Elevate Ventures, the state’s venture development
partner;
- Manufacturing Readiness Grants, administered in partnership with Conexus Indiana, will provide matching grants of up to $200,000 to companies committing to modernizing their operations or integrating smart technologies and processes in order to improve
capacity, or to companies investing in health care manufacturing technology, providing financial assistance to manufacturers supporting critical COVID-19 response efforts; and
- A planned Smart Manufacturing Studio Lab, which will provide lab space and access to state-of-the-art smart manufacturing equipment, enabling businesses to train employees, validate technologies for their business models, and conduct third-party pilot
manufacturing.
More information on EASE, which is funded through the state’s 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, is available here.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
- On June 17, Gov. Holcomb provided updates on the state’s efforts to support Indiana small businesses and entrepreneurs, announcing a new partnership with Indiana Black Expo (IBE) to increase access to economic and workforce recovery programs for minority employers and encouraging small business owners to apply for funding available through state and federal programs.
Read more
- On Oct. 26, the Indiana SBDC announced human resources support to provide additional
employment assistance to Indiana small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through a new partnership with ServantHR, a Fishers-based human resources consulting firm, the Indiana SBDC assists small businesses in creating or updating workplace policies
amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more and apply here.