Frequently Asked Questions


1. About Indy Economic Development

What is Indy Economic Development (IEDI)?

Indy Economic Development is a nonprofit organization charged with attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, and accelerating investment in Indianapolis. We work closely with the City of Indianapolis, state partners, industry leaders, and community organizations to strengthen the city’s economy.

Explore: About Indy Economic Development

What services does IEDI provide?

IEDI offers end-to-end project support for companies considering Indianapolis, including:

  • Business attraction and expansion services

  • Site and building search assistance

  • Real estate and development navigation

  • Incentive evaluation and coordination

  • Workforce and talent connections

  • Market and demographic data

  • Global (FDI) business development

  • District- and corridor-level economic development partnerships

Is there a cost to work with Indy Economic Development?

No. All of our business attraction, expansion, and site selection services are provided at no cost to companies, site selectors, or consultants.

Contact Us to get started.

2. Business Attraction & Expansion

Why do companies choose Indianapolis for expansion or relocation?

Businesses choose Indianapolis for its:

  • Central location and logistics advantages

  • Competitive cost of doing business

  • Growing cluster strengths in manufacturing, tech, life sciences, and sports

  • Skilled workforce and strong higher-education ecosystem

  • Quality of life and affordability

  • Partnership-driven approach to economic development

Explore: Why Indy

How does IEDI support companies evaluating Indianapolis?

We provide confidential, customized support that helps companies move faster and more confidently. Our team assists with:

  • Comparative market data and cost modeling

  • Real estate site selection

  • Connections to workforce partners

  • Incentives and financial assistance

  • City navigation and permitting support

  • Introductions to utilities, industry groups, and ecosystem partners

Explore: Business Attraction Services

Does IEDI help existing Indianapolis companies?

Yes. We support local companies planning to expand, modernize, or retain jobs in Indianapolis. Our team assists with incentives, workforce needs, site options, and introductions to resources.

3. Incentives

What incentives are available in Indianapolis?

IEDI helps companies understand and access tools such as:

  • Real property tax abatements

  • Personal property tax abatements

  • Training grants

  • Workforce incentives

  • Public infrastructure partnerships

  • State incentives through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)

Explore: Incentives Overview

How do I know if my project qualifies for incentives?

Eligibility depends on factors like:

  • Capital investment

  • Job creation and wages

  • Industry sector

  • Project location

  • Alignment with city priorities and inclusive growth goals

IEDI conducts confidential project reviews to help companies understand their options.

Start a Conversation: Contact Us

4. Real Estate & Site Selection

Can you help me find a site, building, or development opportunity?

Yes. IEDI provides concierge-style site selection support. We work with property owners, developers, and real estate brokers to compile customized location options based on your company’s needs.

Explore: Site Selection

Does IEDI support large development and redevelopment projects?

Yes. We collaborate to support developers with:

  • Adaptive reuse

  • Large-scale mixed-use projects

  • Industrial development

  • Catalytic neighborhood investments

  • Transit-oriented and corridor redevelopment

We help coordinate across city departments, utilities, permitting, and incentives.

How do property owners work with IEDI?

Developers and property owners can connect with our real estate team to:

  • Share available sites or buildings

  • Discuss redevelopment opportunities

  • Explore incentive options

  • Align sites with business attraction projects

  • Assess feasibility for rezoning and alignment with city code

5. Workforce & Talent

What workforce resources are available in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis has a strong talent ecosystem featuring:

  • EmployIndy

  • Ivy Tech Community College

  • IUPUI and regional universities

  • Industry training providers

  • Sector partnerships

  • Talent pipelines tailored to advanced industries

IEDI connects companies to workforce leaders based on their sector and hiring needs. Learn more here.

Does IEDI help with customized training?

While IEDI does not run training programs directly, we coordinate with partners to identify funding, programs, and pipelines aligned with employer needs.

6. International & Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Does Indy Economic Development support international companies?

Yes. IEDI works with global companies evaluating U.S. market entry or expansion. We provide:

  • Market entry support

  • Site selection assistance

  • Introductions to legal, financial, and operational partners

  • International business development connections

Explore: Global Engagement

Which countries and markets does IEDI focus on?

Our international strategy prioritizes markets with strong trade ties to Indiana, including:

  • Germany

  • France

  • Japan

  • Canada

  • United Kingdom

  • Additional European and Asian markets

7. Neighborhood & District Initiatives

Does IEDI support neighborhood-focused economic development?

Yes. IEDI collaborates on place-based initiatives that strengthen local economies, including:

How does IEDI support inclusive economic growth?

IEDI integrates equity into incentives, labor strategies, small business partnerships, and district-focused work—ensuring that economic growth benefits residents across Indianapolis.

8. Data, Research & Impact

Where can I find market data about Indianapolis?

IEDI provides economic, demographic, workforce, and industry data to support site selection and investment decisions.

Explore: Data & Reports

Does IEDI publish business attraction and investment results?

Yes. We track and report:

  • Corporate investment announcements

  • Corporate jobs committed

  • Local industry trends

  • Foreign direct investment

  • Real estate activity

  • Local wage reports and demographics

Please contact us with your specific data request and we’d be happy to help.

9. Working With IEDI

How do I start a project with Indy Economic Development?

Simply contact our team or fill out a project information request.

Who should I contact about a project?

Our team includes experts in:

  • Business attraction

  • Real estate development

  • International engagement

  • Incentives

  • Workforce alignment

  • Community district partnerships

Explore: Our Team

How quickly does IEDI respond to project inquiries?

We typically respond within 1–2 business days. Urgent project timelines can be accommodated.