Innovating for Tomorrow’s Rural Communities
Initiatives
Wabash Economic Growth Alliance, Inc., WEGA, is a private, 501c3 non-profit, focusing on economic development in rural communities.
Today’s economic growth efforts are more competitive than ever. Most growing communities have strategic plans and full programs of initiatives to compete in the marketplace. Achieving sustainable growth is a long-term effort that takes many years of investment to foster. In this environment rural communities require similar plans and programs to remain viable. We believe, in the age of workplace mobility, rural communities are the best places to live and work. They are, in fact, one of Indiana’s untapped competitive advantages. With strategic investment thousands of small towns can become centers of economic growth.
New housing and new sources of income go hand in hand in rural communities. Smaller populations noticeably stumble if either are out of balance. We are innovating grass roots tools to help foster growth in Fountain County, Indiana and the surrounding region.
Coming soon to downtown Attica are three business initiatives that may help you start something new or perfect the business you already have.
WEGA Workspace is for business co-working and training. For entrepreneurs the journey begins with Workspace training and matures with S. Perry Market.
1
WEGA Workspace is a place for business, business training and networking. The facility serves members with all that’s necessary for today’s business activities.
It is also a program for learning, perfecting and growing businesses. WEGA and its partners provide valuable training, consulting, mentorship and networking services.
WEGA Workspace is a great place to grow your business together.
S. Perry Market is a retail market for start ups or existing businesses testing products.
2
S. Perry Market is a small business micro-market providing entrepreneurs access to a quality, affordable retail facility.
It is also an open air retail experience attracting customers to Attica’s historic downtown, increasing tourism and improving quality of life for local citizens.
The market is a great place to experience the region’s highest quality foods, artisan products and local farm goods.
Farm Store is for all who produce specialty farming products and want easy access to the retail market.
3
Farm Store is an innovation that combines aspects of a farmer’s market with a trade association and small business training program.
It is also a retail store that offers consumable goods produced from locally grown or raised ingredients.
Farm Store is designed to grow the specialty farming industry.
Previous Initiatives
WEGA incorporated March of 2021 after two years of research, community meetings, strategy sessions and exploratory projects. After several challenging initiatives it became clear that we needed new tools for more grass roots growth. Since our inception we have focused on innovation. To date we have a few successful initiatives to share. Just clink the image to learn more.
Downtown Attica Revitalization Plan
WEGA hired the Troyer Group in September 2021 to establish a downtown district masterplan. Through several months of research, community meetings, interactive exhibits and surveys Troyer produced a masterplan to address current challenges and plan for the future. The City adopted this plan as the official masterplan early 2022.
As a result of the adopted masterplan and their commitment to 200 Block revitalization the City chose to implement the first phase of street improvements downtown. The first phase includes the 200 block between E. Jackson St. and W. Mill St. It also includes W. Mill St. east of S. Perry St and E. Jackson St. between S. Perry St. and S. Brady St.
Downtown Attica Street Enhancements
WEGA worked Harrison Steel and land owners on the south end of Attica around Harrison Hills Golf Club to create a comprehensive housing masterplan. This plan includes single-family, multifamily, condominiums, townhouses and duplexes. Thank you Harrison Steel for your financial contribution to this effort.
Attica Housing Expansion Masterplan
Our best journeys are with others.
We love to collaborate.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Wabash Economic Growth Alliance (WEGA) does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, gender, mental or physical handicap, marital status, familial status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.