Doing Business in Indiana
Companies based in California (or in any western state) that are planning to expand or relocate should consider Indiana. The Purdue West Coast Partnership Center has information about doing business in Indiana and about the many opportunities provided by Purdue University and other educational institutions in the state. Please contact us for additional resources and also use the links below to learn more about Indiana.
Purdue West Coast Partnership Center in Mountain View, CA
Phone 650-969-6917, fax 650-969-6966, or email jaryden@prf.org
About the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is the State of Indiana’s lead economic development agency. Headed by its president, Eric Doden, the IEDC operates like a business. It is focused exclusively on economic development for Indiana, and provides a wealth of information.
Victor Smith is Secretary of Commerce for the State of Indiana.
Governor Mike Pence serves as Chairman of the Board for the IEDC.
Companies of all sizes and industries are finding Indiana offers a pro-business environment and are choosing to benefit from its many advantages including a central location, low tax rate, low energy costs, and skilled workforce. In February 2012 Indiana became a right-to-work state.
Fact Sheet About Indiana from IEDC (PDF)
State Rankings
Best Business Environment
- Indiana ranks first in the Midwest and sixth in the U.S. according to Chief Executive magazine's annual survey “Best and Worst States” (May 2011)
- Indiana ranks eighth in the U.S. for its business climate according to Site Selection magazine (November 2010)
- Indiana is one of nine states to have a triple-A credit rating from all three credit rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investor Service, and Fitch Ratings)
Cost of Doing Business
- Indiana ranks first in the Midwest and tenth nationally in the Tax Foundation’s 2011 Business Tax Climate Index (October 2010)
- Indiana has the lowest business costs in the Midwest and is one of the top ten lowest cost locations in the U.S. according to Forbes (October 2010)
Indiana Secretary of State Business Services Division
In addition to the IEDC (above), the Indiana Secretary of State has prepared extensive information about starting a business and doing business in Indiana. This site is excellent for the details of establishing a new company, including terminology, answers to specific questions and additional sources of information. This is an extremely useful web site for all entrepreneurs and business professionals.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
The goal of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is to cultivate a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity for the people of Indiana and their enterprises. The Chamber has full-time legislative experts in several areas, including (but not limited to) tax, public finance, education, environment and energy, economic development, labor relations, civil justice, healthcare and workplace safety.
Chamber members may take advantage of many benefits including training, access to online information and regulatory compliance publications. As another important and worthwhile organization dedicated to promoting business in Indiana, please access the Indiana Chamber of Commerce at www.indianachamber.com
Indiana Small Business Development Center
The mission of the Indiana Small Business Development Center is to have a positive and measurable impact on the formation, growth, and sustainability of small businesses in Indiana, and to develop a strong entrepreneurial community. This mission is accomplished through a focus on impact and outcomes, specifically the identification, documentation and communication of client needs and action plans.
With ten offices located strategically around Indiana, the ISBDC is located close to its clients and can offer a wealth of information and services. Consulting and other services include assistance with business plan development, market research reports, financial training, identification of prospects and competitors, and much more.
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Indiana is empowering its workers to become highly-skilled, competitive and to raise the bar on a daily basis, through the values of innovation, excellence, integrity, and accountability. As a division of the government of the State of Indiana, the Department of Workforce Development provides information for employers, employees, and others who may be looking for information and answers about employment in the state.
Indianapolis Wants Your Business
Indianapolis wants your business and is not shy about telling you why. Offering a three-pronged approach of business development, workforce development and real estate, Indianapolis offers a variety of resources and services to assist companies considering a move or expansion. Specific services include site selection assistance, customized incentive packages, market research, network development, government liaison, and assistance with recruitment and training of personnel. There is a lot to consider and the Develop Indy web site is full of additional resources.
Finding an Intern or an Internship in Indiana
Indiana INTERNnet is a free internship-matching program linking employers, students, and educational institutions through a dynamic, searchable database, coupled with personal assistance to answer questions and provide guidance. The goal is to create new (or expand existing) high-quality work experiences within Indiana. Learn more about this unique service at Indiana INTERNnet

