ELKHART, Ind. --Eleven programmatic projects get funded by the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Development Authority, awarded $6.4 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Develpoment initiative grant, during its meeting at the ETHOS Innovation Center in Elkhart. 

This $6.4 million is in addition to the $40 million in READI funds awarded in September to Quality of Place projects, with the awarding of the programming funds, the South Bend - Elkhart region has allocated all of its READI dollars. 

Dallas Bergi, RDA Vice Chair and President and CEO of INOVA Federal Credit Union said: "It was an honor to select the recipients of the READI grant funds. The quality of READI grant projects and programs stemming from our region was phenomenal. These programs will leave an indelible mark on the lives and livelihoods of participants throughout the region. We look forward to watching the impact of these funds unfold." 

These program awards fall into four major areas: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Talent Attraction and Talent Development. 

The selected programs for funding fall in line with Smart Connected Communities 2030 Plan, serving as an outline for strategies for the South Bend - Elkhart region. 

The plan is designed for increasing retention and talent attraction, improving overall quality of life and quality of place, and to amplify the impact of the region's innovation economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

To find out more information on the South Bend - Elkhart region's READI grant, click here. 

For more information about the READI grant program, click here.