REGISTER FOR MAKING CENTS: ACCESS TO CAPITAL IN HARD TIMES

   
 
 

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The Illinois State Treasurer’s Economic Opportunity programs are designed to help farmers, employers, nonprofits and residents improve their businesses or quality of life by providing them access to capital through an eligible financial institution.

After an applicant is approved for a loan by one of the hundreds of eligible financial institutions in the state, Economic Opportunity programs provide a discount on the loan’s interest rate to achieve community and economic development in Illinois.

Use our website to determine which Economic Opportunity program is right for you. Cultivate Illinois is for farmers and environmentalists, Employ Illinois is for business owners and child care providers and Opportunity Illinois is for nonprofits, financial institutions, hospitals and consumers.

How the program works:

Want to speak to someone now? Contact the Economic Opportunity staff at (217) 557-6436 or
(312) 814-8953.

  
   

Employ Illinois gives business owners access to capital to start or enhance their businesses with the help of low- interest rate loans.

Opportunity Illinois backs low-interest loans to consumers and community development agencies to improve the quality of life in Illinois.

Cultivate Illinois helps farmers offset the rising cost of farming and encourages green business development.
Money Market Fund allows local government entities to pool their investments to gain a higher rate of return for their residents.
Online bill paying gives people with busy schedules a quick and convenient way to pay government bills and fees.