Phone: (815) 784-2327|Email: info@genoa-il.com

Economic Development

About Economic Development

Genoa is centrally located to major urban areas such as Chicago, Rockford, DeKalb, and Madison with access in minutes to I-90, I-39, and I-88. Genoa has competitively priced development ready industrial sites located along both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways.

Recent national corporations that have chosen to invest in the Northern DeKalb County area: Facebook, Amazon, and Ferrara Candies.

Genoa offers:

-A market area of 35,000 with median household of income of $72,000 and vibrant downtown and engaged businesses, residents, and community organizations

-Aggressive economic development incentive policies: Enterprise Zone, Revolving Loan, and Facade Grants

-Diversified and skilled workforce (N.I.U. And Kishwaukee College, livings here

Genoa offers the benefits of an established City with a growth focus and small town friendliness.

Connect with our EDC team


Nick Bradac, Chair
Contact

Matt Hoffman
Contact

Josh Kubiak
Contact

DeaLynn Stone
Contact

Carolyn Tobinson
Contact

Assistance For Businesses


Facade Improvement Program

For information regarding the City’s Fade Improvement Program, please visit the Facade Improvement Program page here.

Revolving Loan Fund

The City of Genoa is proud to be able to provide a Revolving Loan Program to downtown businesses in an effort to enhance the downtown and promote economic development within the community. This program provides direct financing to businesses at a below-market, fixed rate of interest in cooperation with loans made through private financing. This program is designed to assist with the retention and growth of the existing commercial base and provide needed financial assistance to new and expanding businesses. Eligible uses for loan proceeds include:

• Purchase of a building
• Construction/renovation
• Leasehold improvements
• Purchase of machinery/equipment/furniture

Prior to submitting an application, a pre-application meeting with Staff is required. Please contact Assistant City Administrator Alyssa Seguss at (815) 784-7106 to schedule a meeting.

The loan application will take (5-10 minutes) to complete.

Enterprise Zone


The City of Genoa currently has qualifying locations within the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone. Per a resolution from Director Jim Schultz of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone HAS BEEN CERTIFIED as of 12/17/15. As designated Zone Administrator, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation will work with DCEO and the Illinois Department of Revenue to establish administrative procedures for operating the Zone and qualifying beneficiaries.

DCEDC’s Enterprise Zone informational page

Incentives and benefits of DeKalb County’s Enterprise Zone

Map of Genoa’s Enterprise Zones

Click To View

Additional Business Resources


Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce

It is the mission of the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce to enhance the growth, image, and development of the business community and the greater Genoa area.

Krissy Johnson
Executive Director

Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (815) 784-2212
Website

Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee College

Through the SBDC, small business owners, both prospective and existing, can obtain essential management, marketing, and financial coaching. We offer no-cost one-on-one coaching and a wide variety of low-cost events and workshops to help make your business a success.

Jock Sommese
Phone: (267) 275- 6950



Proud partners with DCEDC & Opportunity Unbound

©2024 City of Genoa, IL.