Local eateries, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and coffee shops are the social and economic lifeblood of many Illinois communities. Following the stretch...
Remote workforce creates challenge for business relief
Overwhelmed, inundated, backlogged. These are just a few of the words employees, employers, government officials, and community leaders are using to...
Ten Tips for Illinois Businesses to Grow Foreign Trade
Illinois is the largest exporter of goods in the Midwest, and one of the most active states in the US. Our terminals, airports, harbors, rail yards...
News Releases
Community initiatives combat outmigration of young talent in rural areas
URBANA, Ill. – In 2018, 86 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline, and almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent.
“Outmigration of young adults impacts so many areas of the community, including school...
Opportunity Zones bring tax breaks to investors, develop underserved communities
URBANA, Ill. – Economically-distressed census tracts, designated as Opportunity Zones under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provide an incentivized avenue for taxpayers to contribute to long-term economic growth in underserved areas.
The state of Illinois designated 327 tracts, the...
Explore small business export options during free Extension webinar
URBANA, Ill. – Selling abroad can be intimidating, but may be just the boost small businesses facing lasting financial challenges need.
University of Illinois Extension is co-hosting a free online webinar covering the fundamentals and benefits of exporting. Local, state, and federal...