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Office of Regional Economic Development

The Regional Economic Development (RED) Team is Your One-Stop Resource  

Illinois businesses benefit from the state’s strategic location, world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, well-educated workforce, major research and higher education assets, and legacy of innovation. To make your selection process quick and efficient, the office of Team RED provides free and confidential services to companies seeking to expand or relocate within Illinois.

Services:

  • Site Selection
  • Customized Workforce Training
  • Regional & Local Collaboration
  • Expedited Permitting, Licensing & Other Approvals
  • Connection to Key Stakeholders and Civic & Business Partners
  • Potential Financial Support

In addition, Illinois offers a highly competitive suite of incentives that may be available, including:

  • Tax Credits Based on Job Creation
  • Enterprise Zones & HIB Designations
  • Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
  • Workforce Recruitment & Training
  • Non-Traditional Loans
  • Roadway, Rail & Infrastructure

 

To help ensure local coordination for your project, the State of Illinois is divided into 10 economic development regions.

Download a copy of the Illinois Economic Development Regional map.

 

Statewide Economic Development Contacts

Alyson Grady
Deputy Director 
217.299.8853
Alyson.Grady2@illinois.gov

Manuel (Manny) Lopez
Assistant Deputy Director
773.502.7506
Manuel.Lopez@Illinois.gov

Contact a member of our Regional Economic Development Team for assistance.

Team RED Office hours

Join DCEO's Regional Economic Development Team as we provide interesting discussions on a variety of topics on the third Thursday of every month at 10 am.  Along with the discussion, we will provide the latest updates on federal and state programs, share information about other resources, and answer any questions you may have.

Webinar

Topic

Team RED monthly webinar: Overview of Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

Description

Ericka White, State Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, will lead a comprehensive overview of the state's small business support ecosystem. This informative session will cover:

  • State Network Overview: Introduction to SBDC centers across Illinois, including current service gaps and underserved areas within the state
  • Service Portfolio Review: Comprehensive overview of services provided by the Illinois SBDC Network, from one-on-one business advising and training programs to specialized startup and existing business support
  • Partnership and Collaboration: How the SBDC Network works with economic development organizations, financial institutions, educational institutions, and other business support entities to enhance service delivery
  • Strategic Direction: Current strategic priorities and upcoming plans related to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) expected this fall

Date and Time

Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:00 AM | (UTC-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

Register link:

https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/ra1209305ecd5e967b666a40810365f99

Intersect Illinois

Intersect Illinois (Intersect) is the state’s economic development organization and a key partner of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in business attraction efforts. As a valuable resource for businesses seeking expansion or relocation in Illinois, Intersect connects companies with its network of partners and provides essential data, site selection assistance, and guidance to ensure successful business operations. In collaboration with DCEO, Intersect is dedicated to supporting businesses and helping them thrive in Illinois. For more information on Intersect, visit intersectillinois.org.