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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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.

May Webinar topic: Building Strong Communities: How Small Businesses Drive Economic Development

Date & Time
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 10:00AM-11:00AM | Register here

Join us for a special panel discussion celebrating both Economic Development Week and National Small Business Week. This event will highlight the essential role small businesses play in driving local prosperity, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that contribute to strong regional economic development. 

In this session, our panel of experts will explore how small businesses serve as the backbone of local communities, from creating jobs and strengthening supply chains to enhancing the overall quality of life. Panelists will share insights, real world examples, and practical strategies that demonstrate how intentional support for small businesses helps build vibrant, resilient, and future-ready economies. 

Illinois Economic Development Corporation (formerly Intersect Illinois)

Illinois EDC 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, Illinois EDC 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, Illinois EDC is dedicated to supporting businesses and helping them thrive in Illinois. For more information on Illinois EDC, visit illinoisedc.org.