Joliet/Will County Center for Economic Development (CED)
The mission of the CED, which is part of the Will County Chamber of Commerce, is to diversify and recession-proof Will County’s economic foundation. The CED maintains an extensive data base of business information, including available sites and buildings; taxes; demographics; migration and growth trends; incentives and much more. The CED also maintains professional contacts with all levels of government and can help businesses work through various regulatory processes. Contact the CED at (815) 723-1800.

Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry was organized and chartered in 1914. The Chamber is a non-profit association of businesses that are located in the Joliet area. The mission of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is to “advance the interests of business, professional and service organizations in the Joliet region, acting as their voice in government and social affairs, communicating and servicing their needs and thereby enhancing the business environment and the local quality of life.” Contact the Chamber at (815) 727-5371.

FACADE BUSINESS PROGRAM: A matching grant up to $5,000 in building/tenant funds for exterior improvements on commercial buildings in an extended area. Joliet City Center Partnership

The mission of the Joliet City Center Partnership is to promote the economic development, marketing, management, and social programming, to ensure the realization of the City Center Master Plan. The City Center Partnership has a variety of programs and incentives developed to assist both new and existing businesses in the downtown area. Contact: the Joliet City Center Partnership at (815) 723-1800.

DEVELOPMENT GRANT: Up to 10% of capital investment not to exceed $150,000 (less equipment and/or trade fixtures). Eligible businesses include new entertainment establishments.

RETAIL GRANT PROGRAM: Up to $10,000 of the first year’s rent. Eligible businesses include new entertainment and retail establishments.

CITY OF JOLIET COMMUNITY PROFILE

City Center Tax Increment Financing District
Joliet has established a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District for the City Center area (see map on following page) . The TIF uses revenues from increased property valuations within the district to fund improvements. Eligible project costs include:

• Property Assembly.
• Environmental, planning, and market studies, engineering and architectural plans.
• Rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, or remodeling of existing public or private buildings and fixtures.
• Public works and improvements.

Numerous development and redevelopment opportunities exist in the project area. While new large-scale and infill development opportunities are included, most projects are expected to take advantage of Jolietfs large stock of attractive historic buildings. Development opportunities include: retail, residential, commercial/office, restaurant, entertainment and mixed-use. For more information contact: City of Joliet, Community & Economic Development at (815) 724-4050.

Click here for a map of the TIF District.

DesPlaines River Valley Enterprise Zone
The DesPlaines River Valley Enterprise Zone was created in 1983. The Enterprise Zone offers a cooperative and uniformly applied program of financial incentives to attract commercial and industrial investment. Local financial incentives include:

• Ten year Property tax abatement on all real improvements.
• State and local sales tax exemption on building materials.
• Waiver of building, zoning, and inspection fees.
• Waiver or reduction of industrial revenue bond issuer fee.
• Employment Services, Job Training Programs and On the Job Training Grants.
• Incubator program for new start-up companies.

The State of Illinois provides additional tax incentives through the Enterprise Zone including:

Investment tax credit; Manufacturing machinery and equipment sales tax exemption; Job tax credits; Income tax deduction for financial institutions; Dividend deduction and corporate contributions deduction. Call the DesPlaines River Valley Enterprise Zone at (815) 740-8372.