The Northwest Indiana Forum is the regional voice for the business community and premiere source of a full package of services that promote economic development and retention of quality jobs. With more than 130 investor organizations, the Forum’s mission is to increase the broad-based wealth in Northwest Indiana through economic development.

The Northwest Indiana region is the second largest economy in Indiana representing urban, suburban and rural communities representing over $35 billion economy. Home of the Indiana Dunes State Park and beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan, people and businesses prosper and grow within the region of commerce, environmental beauty and transportation.

Northwest Indiana by the numbers. Northwest Indiana is a 7-county region comprised of global, national and regional businesses that represent more than $40 billion in commerce. Northwest Indiana offers the best of both worlds: Access to Chicago along with Indiana’s stellar business climate. From small rural towns to growing suburbs to ...

Northwest Indiana’s location and comprehensive transportation network allows companies to reach customers worldwide with ease. Businesses in Northwest Indiana enjoy strategic location within the Chicagoland area, the third-largest metropolitan economy in the U.S., while taking advantage of Indiana’s stellar business climate.

The Northwest Indiana Forum is currently leading an update of Ignite the Region: A Regional Strategy for Economic Transformation, the organization’s economic development strategic plan for Northwest Indiana. The 2025 update is focused on integrating arts, culture, tourism, and sustainability into the existing economic transformation strategy ...

With a thriving population of over 845,000 and just minutes away from the city of Chicago, Northwest Indiana offers low-cost, high quality living. Here you can use our most recent data to find out exactly why Northwest Indiana is a perfect fit for your business and a great place to live.

Resources for Northwest Indiana Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Small Businesses. FUNDING. Community Investment Fund of Indiana The Community Investment Fund of Indiana, Inc. (CIFI) provides development services and loans in qualified investment areas and to low income individuals that lack access to financial products or services throughout the ...

Northwest Indiana combines an innovative spirit, beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, and proximity to Chicago and its amenities for an affordable, high quality of life. Our communities, each with its own uniqueness, provide Northwest Indiana residents a wonderful quality of life. Northwest Indiana communities are ready to welcome you home.

As the regional economic development organization and the Voice of Northwest Indiana businesses representing Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Starke, Newton and Pulaski counties, it is the Forum’s mission to retain and create jobs in Northwest Indiana. The following represent our top priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.

NWI FORUM | NORTHWEST INDIANA | DO BUSINESS | INDUSTRIES | LIVE HERE | NEWS + EVENTS | CONTACT 219.763.6303 | 6100 SOUTHPORT ROAD, PORTAGE, IN 46368. Photo Credit goes to Pete Doherty of Doherty ImagesDoherty Images