Technology-based economic development (TBED) projects foster entrepreneurship and startups, commercialization of new technologies, and workforce development for high-skilled, good-paying jobs of the future. We partner with Illinois Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and community economic development groups to provide technical assistance, support, or referrals for TBED projects. Examples of support include feasibility studies, impact assessments, benchmark resources, etc. Read more here about the importance of TBED projects in EDA’s investment priorities.

We're here to help support current, expanding, and new entrepreneurship or incubator programs in Illinois. How? We leverage a network of ecosystem leaders, peers, and SMEs that can provide technical assistance, resources, programming, and services. Looking for ways to expand capacity and program operations? Planning to launch a new program that serves entrepreneurs in your local community or region? Reach out and connect with us. We would love to hear more and to discuss how we may be able to assist. We look forward to hearing from you!

Economic gardening (EG) builds or grows an economy from within and offers long-term advantages – particularly for regions that cannot afford to give away tax revenue. It’s about growing your own by leveraging and celebrating place-assets and specialized local knowledge in materials, crafts, technology, skills, services or processes, or values and organizations. Read more in Growing Our Own: Economic Gardening Opportunities for Diverse Illinois Places or view our presentation delivered at the 2020 EDA University Center Showcase (video | slides). 

Is your region planning to build an incubator or entrepreneurship center? Repurpose or leverage a current facility to house a regional hub, startup services, or workforce development programming? Is your region facing the loss of a major employer or an organization that attracted consumers to your community? To apply or compete for federal or state funds to support growth or recovery, funding proposals will likely require economic feasibility or impact analyses. Not sure where to start or how to obtain these studies? We can help! Reach out with a few details and we’ll schedule a time to talk.