Indiana First Region Receives READI 2.0 Award of ($15 million)

​SOUTHERN INDIANA (April 11, 2024) - The Indiana READI 2.0 award announcements have been received 
and the Indiana First Region has been awarded $15 million. Prioritizing quality of life, place, and 
opportunity, the five-county region is prepared to generate extensive investment for Hoosiers in respect 
to housing, business development, innovation, and talent attraction. 
The Indiana First Region, which includes Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike, and Spencer counties have been 
steadfast at advancing their key priorities of Talent Attraction, Business Development, Development 
Viability, Housing, and Quality of Life and Place, through READI 1.0 funds, private capital investments, 
and regional collaboration. The first round of READI 1.0 funds began the catalyst movement of housing 
and infrastructure demands needed to support current and future Hoosier residents by the 
development and ongoing construction of nine (9) housing projects, 291 Single Family Homes, and 187 
Multi-Family Housing Units. 
Building off this momentum of housing, the Indiana First Region has substantially increased growth in 
education and workforce development through job creation, investment in entrepreneurship and 
innovation, and creating pathways in more advanced degrees. Projects across the region include the 
Lanesville Business Park, Nursing + Health Careers Expansion / SIM Labs, Ivy Tech Workforce Training 
Project, Southwest Indiana Megasite, and the Pike County Economic Development Shell Building
Indiana First prides itself on its creativity, innovation, and tenacity towards growth and collaboration in 
Southern Indiana. The region is dedicated to ensuring the regional economic development strategy is 
put into action and makes the necessary impact to continue diversifying the economy, fostering
innovation, entrepreneurship, and attracting new businesses. 
For more information on the Indiana First Region and to stay up to date on the success of 1.0 projects, 
please visit: https://swidc.org/regional-strategy/indiana-first/