SEND, in collaboration with Southeast Community Services (SECS), community, industry, and public sector partners, is excited to announce the pre-development of Twin Aire Skilled Trades Center to prepare two generations of residents for high-quality occupations and small business success to strengthen and diversify Central Indiana’s skilled trades ecosystem.  The Twin Aire Skilled Trades Center will be a hub for job training and upskilling, hands-on learning, small business start-up and growth, high-quality job connections, and supportive services for historically under-invested individuals in southeast and near east Indianapolis.

The visioning for this project began in October 2015 when a coalition of residents, business owners, and stakeholders formed the Twin Aire Neighborhood Coalition (TANC) to advocate for improved quality of life in their southeast Indianapolis neighborhoods. Through these efforts, neighbors, SEND, and the City of Indianapolis partnered to request, and subsequently receive, Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) funds from EDA in 2019 for a feasibility study of a business incubator/accelerator for Twin Aire. The decision to pursue these funds was based on recommendations outlined in the 2018 Twin Aire Development Plan and Twin Aire Great Place strategic plan. The feasibility study was conducted throughout 2021, with the final study wrapping up in the beginning of 2022.

Although SEND, neighbors, and community partners are still in the early planning stages for this project, we wanted to share what was learned through the feasibility study with neighbors in Southeast. To access the feasibility study findings, click here.

As this project progresses, we’ll be sure to share any updates and news here and in our newsletters/social media!