Money available for new or expanding businesses
Although the state of Illinois is tightening the budget belt, money is still available for new or expanding business opportunities. Madison County has low-interest funds available for up to seven years. Contact the Community Development office at 618-692-8940.

The State of Illinois' Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a number of business development programs.
Participation Loan Program
DCEO works with banks and other conventional lenders to provide financial assistance to small businesses that will employ Illinois workers. The state will participate in loans up to 25 percent of the total amount of a project, but not less than $10,000 nor more than $750,000.

Development Corporation Participation Loan Program
DCEO participates with Development Corporations to provide financial assistance to small businesses that will employ Illinois workers in the region served by that Development Corporation. The state can participate in loans up to 25 percent of the total amount of a project, but not less than $10,000 nor more than $750,000.
Minority, Women and Disability Participation Loan Program Similar to the Participation Loan Program, except that participations may not exceed 50 percent of the total project, subject to a maximum of $50,000.

Illinois Capital Access Program
The Illinois Capital Access Program (CAP) is designed to encourage financial institutions to make loans to small and new businesses that do not qualify under conventional lending policies. CAP is a form of loan portfolio insurance which provides additional reserve coverage to the lender on loan defaults. By participating in CAP, lenders have available to them a proven financing mechanism to meet the needs of financial institutions and Illinois small businesses.
For the four programs above, applications may be submitted at any time. For information, call 217-782-3891 or 312-814-8534.

Business Development Public Infrastructure Program
Provides low-interest financing to units of local government for public improvements on behalf of businesses undertaking expansion or relocation projects that meet the program criteria and demonstrate great potential for creating and retaining jobs. The infrastructure improvements must be made on public property and must directly result in the creation or retention of private sector jobs. The local government must demonstrate clear need for financial assistance to undertake the improvements. Applications may be submitted at any time. For information call 217/785-6193.

Facade Program
Public dollars to assist commercial re-development in the Hartford downtown. Eligible projects consist of exterior facade renovations. Call 618.251.2681 ext 15 for details.