Are there programs to help businesses locate or expand?

Yes. The Office of Planning and Economic Development has a loan program that is available to expanding businesses and those wanting to locate within the City. Please visit our Business Loans page for more information. We also offer relocation and expansion services, such as site selection assistance and demographic and statistical information. For more information regarding these and other services, visit our Expansion/Relocation page.

How do I find out if my business is located in the Enterprise Zone?

Call Jodi Roper at 217-789-2377 to find out if your business is located in the Enterprise Zone and if you qualify for any of the Enterprise Zone Benefits.

How can I take advantage of the sales tax deduction on materials for my construction project located in the Enterprise Zone?

As required by state law, the sales tax exemption benefit for building materials now allows building materials to be purchased outside of the city limits of the qualifying project. With a Sales Tax Exemption form, the project developer or construction company may purchase building materials anywhere and receive local (the city where materials are purchased) and state sales tax. The Sales Tax exemption form is now required in order to receive sales tax exemptions.

In order to obtain a Sales Tax Exemption form, the contractor or developer is required to apply for and receive a building permit at the Building and Zoning Department in the Municipal Building located at 300 S. 7^th Street, Room 304. After a building permit has been issued, the contractor or developer must go to the Office of Planning and Economic Development located at 231 S. 6^th Street to obtain the Sales Tax Exemption form, as a signature from the local Enterprise Zone administrator is required by state law. The contractor or developer must provide each retailer with a copy of this Sales Tax Exemption Form in order to receive the sales tax exemption. The retailers are required to keep this form on file by the State of Illinois.

What is the unemployment rate for Springfield and what are the characteristics of the local labor force?

Unemployment rates and labor force characteristics are calculated and maintained on a statewide basis by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Office of Planning and Economic Development can also provide copies of a workforce verification survey that was undertaken to document the number of underemployed individuals available to a new employer in the area.

Where can I find demographic information about the City of Springfield?

There are resources on the web that provide various types of demographic information. The most comprehensive source is the US Census Bureau site, which provides a wide range of information, as does the Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce site.

What do I need to do to qualify for any of the housing programs?

You must complete a phone questionnaire with Teri Whitfield at 217-789-2377. Four pieces of information are necessary. Mortgage information, homeowner insurance information, utilities (CWLP and AmerenCILCO) and income information must be provided before an appointment is arranged.

How long does it take to get rehabilitation work done?

From time of application until work is actually completed usually takes up to 6 months.