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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.

March Webinar topic: Illinois APEX Accelerators - Fueling Growth for Illinois Businesses

Date & Time
Thursday, March 19, 2026 10:00 AM | (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) | Register here

Presenters

  • Justin Niceswanger, Program Manager, Illinois APEX Accelerator, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
  • Theresa Ebeler, PhD, Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator, Western Illinois University

Summary
The Illinois APEX Accelerator is a no-cost resource available for businesses interested in pursuing government contracting, subcontracting, and innovative funding opportunities.  Join us on March 19 for an overview of APEX Accelerator services, its purpose and impact, and how to locate the APEX Accelerator center serving your area.  This training will be of interest to:

  • Businesses wanting to sell (or increase sales of) their products and services to the government,
  • Business resources / economic development staff seeking a trusted partner to assist their clients in navigating government opportunities,
  • Innovators wanting to explore avenues for research and development / technology funding.
  • Other stakeholders (agencies, programs, NGOs, etc.) invested in supporting economic growth in Illinois.

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.