Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation do?

The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation’s services are centered around key pillars of economic development: Business retention and expansion, business attraction, talent attraction & development, marketing & messaging, and community development and growth. The SCEDC works closely with existing businesses to identify needs, connect them with resources, and provide tools such as coworking space, revolving loan funds, and tax abatements to support growth and investment. Attracting new businesses is another key focus, with the SCEDC targeting industries that align with the county’s strengths and leveraging incentives such as the Angola Investment Fund to encourage investment and job creation. The organization also partners with workforce development and educational organizations to strengthen the local talent pipeline and connect individuals with in-demand career opportunities. Through strategic marketing, business promotion, community partnerships, and initiatives such as housing studies, the SCEDC helps showcase Steuben County’s assets, address community needs, and create an environment where businesses, residents, and the local economy can thrive.

What resources are available for businesses?

Steuben County offers a variety of incentives, programs, and resources, and the SCEDC helps ensure businesses know about and can access them. Steuben County offers significant incentives to support business growth and investment, including tax abatements, revolving loan funds, and more. The SCEDC regularly conducts business retention and expansion visits to connect local businesses with valuable regional resources, including the Angola Investment Fund, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Northeast Indiana Works, and other organizations that support business growth and workforce development. The SCEDC also operates Cowork Steuben, a flexible coworking space that provides comfortable, professional office and event space designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce. These resources and services help businesses access the tools, support, and opportunities they need to grow and succeed in Steuben County.

Can the SCEDC help me find a location for my business?

The SCEDC can help identify available sites and buildings that are ready for development. Listings include detailed information about each property, including its location, type and size of space, availability, utilities, contact information, and more. An interactive map is also available, highlighting recorded sites and buildings that are currently available for development.

Does the SCEDC offer business training or workshops?

The SCEDC offers a variety of training and workshop opportunities throughout the year, including professional development for managers and leaders, as well as hands-on opportunities for students interested in exploring careers and skills in Steuben County. In 2026, the SCEDC partnered with Purdue MEP to provide leadership training sessions focused on a variety of relevant topics. The SCEDC also partners with Freedom Academy to provide students with hands-on experiences designed to introduce them to local career opportunities. Programs such as the Manufacturing Experience Camp give students the opportunity to explore careers in manufacturing while gaining practical, real-world experience.

What industries is the SCEDC focused on attracting?

The SCEDC welcomes new businesses of all types to Steuben County. At the same time, the SCEDC recognizes the importance of strategically attracting industries that align with the county’s location advantages, existing assets, and workforce. In 2023, the SCEDC developed a strategic plan to identify target industries that are well-positioned for growth in Steuben County. The plan identified six target industries:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Biomedical, Life Sciences & Healthcare
• Food & Beverage Manufacturing
• Transportation & Logistics
• Transportation Equipment
• Professional Employer Services

These target industries help guide the SCEDC’s business attraction and economic development efforts while continuing to support a diverse and growing local economy.

How does the SCEDC work with local businesses and community partners?

The SCEDC frequently works alongside local businesses and community partners to support economic development throughout Steuben County. Local officials are invited to participate in SCEDC business retention and expansion visits and are encouraged to attend community meetings. These opportunities provide employers and local officials with direct communication and help address a variety of business needs, including expansion, development, and workforce development. Each year, the SCEDC works with dozens of local businesses to help them achieve their goals and overcome challenges. Many of the SCEDC’s initiatives are focused on strengthening and supporting Steuben County’s industries. This may include assisting businesses with tax abatements, connecting employers with employee training opportunities, supporting workforce recruitment, and helping businesses navigate resources for growth and expansion. 

Where can I find local economic and business data?

The SCEDC has access to JobsEQ, a comprehensive source of economic and business data. This includes population, age and demographics, employment, housing and income, workforce, education, transportation, and other key economic data. Information can also be customized to focus on specific industries and time periods. Submitting a data request through the SCEDC is the quickest way to receive the information you need, while investors have ongoing access to current economic statistics. 

Learn more.

How can I stay informed about SCEDC news, programs, and events?

The best way to stay informed about SCEDC programs, events, and opportunities is to subscribe to the SCEDC monthly newsletter and follow Invest Steuben on social media. The monthly newsletter features upcoming events, programs, and opportunities, along with recaps of recent events and activities that may be relevant to local businesses and community members. You can also follow Invest Steuben on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for timely updates and announcements about upcoming programs, events, and other economic development opportunities.