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
Member contact info
Matt Hoffman
Member contact info
Josh Kubiak
Member contact info
DeaLynn Stone
Member contact info
Carolyn Tobinson
Member contact info
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
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