Area Development
Two high-growth technology companies plan to expand operations and create 49 new jobs In Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Indiana’s tech sector is playing a key role in Indiana’s economic strength today,” said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. “This industry is thriving here because of our skilled and industrious workforce. With the help of this growing sector, Indiana has added tens of thousands of jobs in the last two years and is nearing record Hoosier employment today.”

Integrated IT service company Aura IT Consulting will invest $503,000 to expand its footprint at the company’s 3,200-square-foot office at 3535 E. 96th Street in Indianapolis. With expansion planned for the company’s operations within the next six months, the company anticipates doubling in size in the next five years to meet increased application development and infrastructure needs. Serving the central Indiana market, Aura IT Consulting also recently began working with small to medium sized businesses throughout the Midwest. The company, which currently employs more than 20 Hoosiers, plans to create up to 22 new jobs by 2019. Aura IT Consulting plans to begin hiring software developers, business analysts, project managers and network engineers later this year.

Global data solutions provider Return Path will invest $347,000 to lease and equip 4,500 square feet of office space at Market Tower in downtown Indianapolis. The company uses data to help its clients promote and protect their brands through its email optimization, email fraud protection and consumer insight solutions.

Return Path has moved into its new office, which expands the New York-headquartered company’s geographic diversity by adding Indianapolis to its growing network of offices in 11 cities across the country and around the world. The company is committed to creating skill-building opportunities in its communities, with a 12-week sales and service boot camp planned this June in Indianapolis for recent college graduates, with successful participants offered full-time positions. As part of its growth, Return Path anticipates expanding its global headcount by at least 20 percent each year, which includes creating up to 27 new Indiana jobs by 2019. Employing 470 employees worldwide, the company has already begun hiring for sales, marketing and service positions.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Aura IT Consulting, Inc. up to $235,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $40,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. Return Path, Inc. was offered up to $260,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $150,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is ineligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports projects for Aura IT Consulting, Inc. and Return Path, Inc. at the request of Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber.