Successes

NW Illinois Economic Development's (NWILED) vision is to advance economic prosperity in Northwest Illinois by fostering business growth, thereby improving the quality of life in our region.

Invest in NWILED

Testimonials

Regarding NWIL’s Manufacturing & Trades Day 2024

“Nothing is more encouraging than seeing the professionals, in our region, take time from their busy schedules to share their expertise and provide quality career education to our students.”

Chad Stenberg, Executive Director at Jo Daviess Carroll Career Technical Education Academy

NWILED’s Genz Award Recipients

"You will never know how much it means to us to receive this award. Starting a business has many challenges and it can be discouraging at times, yet this award demonstrates your belief in our future and that means the world to us.”

Chase Dittmar, Beekeeper and Owner of Dry Creek Beekeeping

“Having been awarded the Genz Small Business Development Fund from NWILED is a major game-changer for our developing company. We'll be able to provide our current and prospective clients with industry standard high-end content using state-of-the-art photo and video equipment. With the awarded funds, we plan to purchase a formidable Apple MacStudio workstation and a robust 6K video camera package from DJI. We look forward to combining our community's classic feel with the modern contemporary digital landscape.”

Brendan Sullivan, Co-owner of 1826 Creative

NWILED’s Build It Grow It Program

“As always, the Build It Grow It course game insight into areas of my business I have been overlooking and it has reenergized my passion as an entrepreneur. “This class is always worth the time and money.”

Alan Turner, CEO/Janitor of Poopsie’s and Main Street Inn in Galena

NWILED Assists with Launching the Illinois Finance Authority PACE Programs

“We welcome the partnership with the Illinois Finance Authority in our community as a way to offer options for existing businesses and attract new development or redevelopment opportunities using environmental initiatives.”

Carl Bates, City of Mount Carroll Mayor

“It has been a great pleasure working with the IFA to get this program in place for the City of Mount Carroll. This is a great tool that can provide long term low-cost financing for investment in northwest Illinois for projects that are greater than $1.5M.”

Joe Mattingley, Northwest Illinois Economic Development Vice Chair

“We view the C-PACE program as an ideal financing tool for the City of Galena and our businesses. The program is aligned with our environmental sustainability efforts while offering very attractive financing options for businesses and lenders. We believe the adoption of C-PACE positions Galena to advance our environmental initiatives while growing existing businesses and attracting new businesses.”

Mark Moran, Galena City Administrator

“The new Jo Daviess County C-PACE program will benefit our existing businesses who need financing options for their expansions or renovations, and it will better position the County to attract new businesses.”

LaDon Trost, Jo Daviess County Board Chair