Economic Development

Coverage of those starting up businesses and community resources to help them thrive.

Calhoun St. is within the Downtown DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) boundary.

What Downtown Fort Wayne’s potential reauthorization means for the city’s next chapter

“The main thing, in my opinion, would be one single voice that has one mission — that is to concentrate and make sure that we’re continuing to develop, protect and advocate for our downtown.”

Latest in Economic Development
Brandon Johnson receiving a small business loan from Brightpoint, via the Legacy Fund.
Meet the carpenter opening doors in the trades, one house at a time

“I don’t think there’s a shortage of talent. I think it’s a shortage of educational opportunities. A lot of guys want to learn, but they need an environment where they feel supported.”

The exterior of Charley Creek Inn
The Charley Creek Inn: Where timeless elegance meets state-of-the-art comfort

“This isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about giving people a reason to experience Wabash in new ways.”

The Pearl
#PlacesofNEI: The Pearl prepares to provide retail space, apartments and more in downtown Fort Wayne

Scheduled to open its doors in September, The Pearl, a Surack Enterprises development, promises to be a dynamic addition to our cityscape.

Construction on the north side of the riverfront in Downtown Fort Wayne continues.
#PlacesofNEI: Riverfront development continues on the north side

Phase 2B of the riverfront development will extend the public space from Promenade Park along the St. Marys River west to Ewing Street and east to Clinton Street. 

The Welcoming Fort Wayne Awards
How immigrants are positively impacting local economies

“Something we’ve seen trending across not only the country — and especially in Fort Wayne — is that immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs and business owners than their U.S.-born counterparts, which creates jobs and spurs local economies."

Citizen Robotics, a nonprofit that makes 3D-printed housing.
How can Fort Wayne address the need for housing?

“From an economic development perspective, if you’re growing jobs and attracting people, your housing market needs to be growing as well. Housing is a key component of our economic growth.”

The Riverfront at Promenade Park is designed of all glass windows on one side with 25,000 square feet of office space, 15,000 square feet of retail space, and a 900 space parking garage.
#PlacesofNEI: A look inside The Riverfront at Promenade Park

Located next to Promenade Park, The Riverfront at Promenade park features apartments, office space, retail space and a parking garage.

Holiday ornaments at the Find by local artist VimmAnnVigor.
10 places to find locally made gifts on your holiday shopping trip to Downtown Fort Wayne

Want to buy cool, locally made gifts this holiday season? Here's where you can find them.  

Reducing your advertising can create opportunities for other companies.
Blog: 4 reasons now is not the time to cut your marketing budget

"Marketing allows you to start, progress, and evolve that conversation. Without it, for some customers, it can be as simple as out of sight, out of mind."

Our Partners

Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhoods
Visit Wabash County

Don't miss out!

Stay informed, inspired, and one step ahead with our weekly newsletter.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.