Resources

Download the Business Resource Flyer from the April 2023 Overview Event


Seminars and Training

Free and inexpensive seminars are routinely offered throughout the area. Check-out the following websites for schedules of courses/seminars.

Employment


Jobs Center of Lake County offers placement, resume, counseling, job fairs, and other services to job seekers. They also offer tailored training programs to businesses and assistance in filling employment vacancies (job fairs, postings, grant funded apprenticeships, etc). Find out more here.

College of Lake County (CLC): Post your jobs and internships on the LancerJobLink. View the CLC job fair schedule. Review the apprenticeship program page. Contact Ali O’brien, VPP Community & Workforce Partnerships, 847-543-2409, to inquire about other ways to connect to your future workforce.

Community High School District 128: Libertyville High School is recruiting businesses looking for interns and employement opportunities.  To post your positions, fill out the application here. For details, contact the District 128 College and Careers department at 847-932-2166.

The Manufacturer's Guide to Finding and Retaining Talent has useful advice to support the workforce of any industry.

Grants/Bonds/Funding


IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Assistance Programs: The IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has various funding and incentive programs available for businesses looking to expand, locate to the area, and increase trade. More information is available on the DCEO website and by contacting the area representative Agnes Masnik, 312-882-6840.  One such program, Advantage IL, can provide below market loans  for existing or start-up firms through local banks.

IL Finance Authority (IFA): Several low interest funding programs are offered through the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), including Industrial Revenue Bonds and Participation Loans.

Upper IL River Valley Development Authority: URIVDA offers assistance with site specific enterprise zone creation and Industrial Revenue Bonds.

Lake County Partners (LCP):Lake County Partners is the County's economic development arm, they can assist you in reviewing financial resources and Industrial Revenue Bonds, call (847) 247-0137 for more information.

Energy Savings Programs: Both ComEd and Nicor offer various grants, rebates and incentives to benefit businesses in both short and long term financial savings, as well as energy efficiency.

Financial Education: Financial education tools are available from a number of federal agencies, a compilation of various tools can be found at MyMoney.

Business District Incentive to Auto Dealers:  In 2008, the Village of Libertyville created three business districts affecting the community's Mile of Cars. The Plan for these districts creates an incentive for new or existing auto dealers looking to open, expand or improve an auto sales franchise within one of these districts. Contact Heather Rowe, Economic Development Coordinator, for more information, 847-918-2028.

Facts, Myths & Scams: Beware of companies and individuals who, for a fee, will provide information on grants available for small business start-up, additional information available here.


Trade Expansion


The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking to build on the use of its trade programs to support small businesses seeking to insource or onshore production and distribution of their goods.  Additional information regarding their available tools and funding is available here.

The U.S. Export Assistance Center's  IL Office is committed to assisting firms in realizing their export potential by providing services including, export counseling and advice, information on markets abroad, international partner contacts and advocacy services and more.

The International Trade Specialist at the IL Small Business Development Center at the College of Lake County is available to assist businesses in identifying new markets for their products and help navigate export regulations, this is a no cost service, view the services flyer or call 847-543-2033.

Services


Links to various helpful service providers can be found under Quick Links.  Several of these are described below.

The IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at CLC offers free counseling to existing or potential entrepreneurs. They also have referral services for loans, financing assistance and other resources.

The US Small Business Administration - Illinois District office provides SBA loan and other assistance to small businesses, including educational workshops. They offer a resource guide with additional information on their services.

Cook Memorial Library offers media equipment, digital services, 3D printing and other services. The Library workshop has green screens available and a digital studio.

The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC), a non-for-profit agency working with IL universities, helps manufacturers and companies to be more productive and globally competitive. Their advisors and trainers offer assessments, assist in identifying performance gaps, implementing new technologies, solving production problems and more. Contact IMEC at www.imec.org or 888-806-4632.

The Main Street Libertyville organization, a non-for-profit with the goal of economic development through historic preservation. Providing support and promotions to downtown businesses.

Visit Lake County, the local convention and visitors bureau provides promotional opportunities to area hotels, retailers, restaurants and attractions, and ongoing efforts to bring tourists to the area.

Get your Business Online through Google's website development and site search tools.

Meeting and Workspaces: reserve a conference room at Cook Library, have a seat at a local restaurant, or stay tuned to the 2023 opening of Brick & Mortar co-working in downtown Libertyville.

Rental of Community Facilities: The Village’s Parks Department rents parks and facilities. There are also rooms in the Civic Center and spaces at the Adler Arts Center.

Downtown Parking: review customer and employee public parking options on this map.

Major Developments: review recent applications and approved projects under construction on this story map.

The GLMV Chamber of Commerce offers networking, educational and marketing opportunities.

Learn how to prepare and protect your business from a cybersecurity or ransomware threat, preparation is easier than responding once affected.


Stay Informed

Libertyville weekly E-News: subscribe to the Village’s e-Newsletter for events, resources, and information. 
 
Libertyville Social Media Pages: refer to Facebook (@LibertyvilleVOL), Twitter (@LibertyvilleVOL), Instagram (@Libertyville_il), and NextDoor as an additional Village information source.
 

Additional Assistance

Please feel free to contact the Village's Economic Development Coordinator at (847) 918-2000 or by e-mail for assistance or referral to additional resources.