Business Assistance
The Rockford Area Economic Development Council offers confidential, client-consulting services for businesses in the region. These include:
- project management for incentives,
- site selection analysis,
- regulatory and international trade assistance,
- state and local coordination,
- supply chain referrals,
- workforce development, and
- demographic research.
In addition, we offer information about financial and technical assistance as well as incentive programs for which qualified companies may be eligible.
We’ll provide a brief overview of what these programs are below. For more information, view the Taxes and Incentives section and call Mark Podemski, VP for Development, 815 987 8118 x124. You can also reach Mark by email (mpodemski@rockfordil.com) or write information@rockfordil.com for general assistance.
Major Financial Incentives
- EDGE tax incentives,
- Participation Loan Program,
- Enterprise Zone Financing Program,
- Industrial Revenue Bonds,
- State Treasurer’s Economic Program (STEP),
- Community Services Block Grant Loan Program (CSBG),
- Export Import Bank of the U.S.,
- Large Business Development Programs (LBDP),
- High Impact Business Program.
Click the link to view a PDF profiling major incentive programs. (pdf, 17k)
Worker Training Assistance
- Industrial Training Program,
- Job Training & Economic Development Development Grant Program (JTED),
- Workforce Investment Act
Technology Transfer Programs
- Illinois Technology Enterprise Development Centers (ITECs),
- Manufacturing Extension Programs (MECs),
- Technology Challenge Grant Program (TCGP).
Entrepreneurship Assistance
- Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center (RRVEC)
Business Development Resources
TIF Districts, Enterprise Zones, and Foreign Trade Zone #176
There are 14 TIF Districts in the Rockford Area, in addition to 39 sq. miles of enterprise zones throughout Rockford, Rockton/South Beloit, and Belvidere. These zones feature various abatements on property, sales, and utility taxes, as well tax credits and exemptions for businesses that create jobs and investment in the area. Finally, you’ll find Foreign Trade Zone #176 at the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. For more information about them, consult our section on Taxes and Incentives.
Winnebago County Tax Abatement
Up to 10-year abatement on county property taxes.