ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO)

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the lead state agency responsible for improving Illinois' competitiveness in the global economy. Guided by an innovative regional approach, DCEO administers a wide range of economic and workforce development programs, services and initiatives designed to create and retain high quality jobs and build strong communities.  DCEO leads the Illinois economic development process in partnership with businesses, local governments, workers and families.

Business Development
DCEO's Office of Business Development administers a wide array of programs and services designed to help Illinois businesses thrive in today’s economy.  They offer expansion incentives, technology support services, access to capital, global marketing expertise, and job training and education for workers.  The staff is committed to forging partnerships with the private sector in an effort to build upon Illinois' reputation as a world class center for business and industry. This includes a strong emphasis on programs designed to provide small businesses -- particularly minority and female entrepreneurs -- with the resources they need to succeed and grow their business opportunities. 

Community Development
This page provides a directory to the many web pages of Illinois' communities. Whether you're thinking about moving to Illinois, looking for a road trip destination or just curious about other communities, make sure your online research begins here!

Energy and Recycling
The Illinois Energy Office creates jobs and stimulates economic development in Illinois through programs and policies that spur investment in Illinois' Green Economy.   These programs and policies benefit our economy, improve our environment and increase our energy independence.

Entrepreneurship Innovation and Technology
Experts, networks, tools and other opportunities transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. That's where success begins. We partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise. Whether your company employs two people or 102, IEN can help you Connect Outside The Box - it's a new way of thinking that extends beyond your own knowledge and experience to activate the possibilities!

Workforce Development
The Office of Employment & Training is committed to encouraging statewide economic development by cultivating a well-trained workforce. To accomplish this goal, the Office identifies youth, adults and dislocated workers who are eligible for assistance under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), assesses their employability skills and provides training as appropriate for identified sectors of growing employment demand. Ideally, this will lead to the placement of these individuals in self-sufficient employment. The Office also provides follow-up services leading to employment retention in high-wage and high-skilled jobs. These services are provided statewide while maintaining focus on the economic needs of each region.

Tourism
The Illinois Office of Tourism promotes and advertises travel to Illinois.  

Trade
The Office of Trade and Investment Global Network offers help and information for producers and organizations interested in exporting products nationally and globally.

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL DEVELOPMENT (USDA RD)  

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through their programs, they touch rural America in many ways. Financial programs support such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service. They promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their operations. We provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.

Energy
SDA Rural Development is helping to lead the way in the agriculture sector finding energy solutions in our fields and helping rural residents and communities access renewable energy systems and use energy more efficiently. USDA Rural Development provides funding opportunities in the form of payments, grants, loans, and loan guarantees, for the development and commercialization of renewable energy sources including wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean waves, hydroelectric, biomass, and biofuel (ethanol, biodiesel, etc.) to change the way people power their homes, businesses, and industries. By making renewable energy sources commercially viable, USDA Rural Development is also creating sustainable opportunities for wealth, new jobs, and increased economic activity in rural America.

Utilities
USDA Rural Development provides funding opportunities in the form of payments, grants, loans, and loan guarantees, for the development and commercialization of vital utility services. These programs revitalize rural communities with a variety of infrastructure improvements, and create sustainable opportunities for wealth, new jobs, and increased economic activity in rural America.



Loans
Program assistance is provided in many ways, including direct or guaranteed loans, grants, technical assistance, research and educational materials.

Technical Assistance
Technical assistance programs help ensure that rural areas are able to leverage funding opportunities provided by USDA Rural Development. Designed to revitalize rural communities by financing a variety of projects and services to enhance economic growth and development, create new jobs, and increase the quality of life in rural America, Rural Development programs often require technical expertise for successful implementation.

Cooperatives
The mission of Rural Development's Cooperative Assistance Programs is to promote understanding and use of the cooperative form of business as a viable organizational option for the marketing and distribution of agricultural products. These programs serve cooperative members, directors, management, educational institutions, organizations, rural residents, and all others with an interest in the cooperative form of business.

Business
USDA Rural Development is the leading advocate for rural America. The mission area supports rural communities and enhances quality of life for rural residents by improving economic opportunities, community infrastructure, environmental health, and the sustainability of agricultural production.

Community Development
Includes programs that assist communities realize their long-term goals through provision of technical assitance and grants that supports strategic planning and community visioning in order to provide a foundation for economic development.