BLOOMINGTON'S INNOVATION HUB IS IN FULL BLOOM
Spring has arrived in Bloomington, and with it, new growth—not just in flowerbeds, but in ideas, innovation, and opportunity. The Trades District is coming into full bloom, both as a vibrant community space and as a driving force for high-tech businesses and entrepreneurship. Just like the bright pansies lining the streets, startups and founders are taking root and thriving in this ever-growing hub.
But what exactly makes the Trades District such fertile ground for innovation? It’s all in the soil—figuratively speaking. The district is part of Bloomington’s Certified Technology Park (CTP), a designation that signals a commitment to fostering economic development, attracting investment, and supporting high-tech businesses. As one of just a handful of CTPs in Indiana, the Trades District benefits from funding that helps reinvest in public facilities, research spaces, and business incubators, creating an ecosystem where businesses can flourish.
What is a Certified Technology Park?
Think of a CTP like a specially cultivated garden, carefully designed to grow and support tech and innovation-based businesses. Communities that partner with research institutions and demonstrate strong commitments to economic growth can receive this designation, along with the ability to reinvest up to $5 million in state and local tax revenues back into the park. These funds help build critical infrastructure, provide resources for entrepreneurs, and create spaces where collaboration and creativity thrive.
The Trades District: A Thriving Center for Innovation
At the heart of Bloomington’s CTP lies the Trades District, a 12-acre area designed to be more than just an office park—it’s a community where ideas come to life. Located just northwest of downtown, the Trades District serves as a key connector between Bloomington’s historic charm and its future as a regional tech powerhouse. From sleek new office spaces to collaborative coworking environments, the district is built to support businesses at every stage of growth.
The Mill: Where Ideas Take Root
The crown jewel of the Trades District is The Mill, Bloomington’s nonprofit center for entrepreneurship and coworking. With over 350 members—including founders, remote workers, and creative professionals—The Mill is where innovation meets collaboration. Here, startups gain access to expert mentoring, venture funding, and training programs designed to help ideas grow into thriving businesses. Whether you're launching a company, scaling an idea, or seeking a vibrant place to work, The Mill offers the fertile ground you need to succeed.
A Season of Growth and Exciting Developments
Just as the seasons change, so does the landscape of the Trades District. Exciting new projects are sprouting up, like The Forge, a cutting-edge, 22,000-square-foot office space set to become a hub for emerging industries such as AI, machine learning, and biotech. The Forge represents the next stage of growth for the district and Bloomington’s innovation ecosystem.
As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, the Trades District is proving that growth isn’t just seasonal—it’s a constant. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to plant your business in fertile ground or a community member eager to see what’s next, one thing is certain: the future is in full bloom right here in Bloomington.
