Seminars
Free and inexpensive seminars are routinely offered throughout the area.  

The following are upcoming events of interest:

            ·       Spring Workshops, IL Small Business Development Center, CLC, Grayslake & Vernon Hills
            ·       Thriving in Today's Economy, June 3rd, University Center, CLC, Grayslake
            ·       Export/Trade Assistance Seminars are regularly available through the U.S. Commercial 
              Service Midwest Office

Check-out the following websites for schedules of additional courses/seminars.

           ·         Cook Memorial Library Classes
           ·         IL Small Business Development Center
           ·       Job Center of Lake County Job-seeker & Employer Specific Training & Workshops
           ·         Workforce & Professional Development Institute Classes and Lunch & Learn Series at CLC
           ·         University Center of Lake County
           ·         College of Lake County
           ·         GLMV Chamber of Commerce
           ·         IL Department of Employment Security

Construction/Redevelopment Funding Resource
Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are for large capital projects of at least $2.5 million or $3 million. Can apply to property purchase, construction and remodeling. In order to qualify, businesses must meet a number of provisions including they must be for-profit (manufacturing, retail, service provider, etc) and the original use of the property must commence with the applicant (with the exception for an acquisition or rehabilitation project). The program is made possible by the federal government through Lake County and is being administered by Lake County Partners. For more information contact Frank Brisbois, at (847) 247-0137.

Grant Opportunity
ETIP:  The IL Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has announced the availability of Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) grant funds.  Grants may reimburse companies for up to 50% of the cost of training.  Companies may apply if they are:  expanding the business in IL, expanding into new markets, introducing more efficient technologies/continuous improvement systems, expanding exports, or providing training to employees threatened with layoff.  The application deadline is March 12, 2010.  More information is available on the DCEO website and the application is available here.

Facts, Myths & Scams:  Beware of companies and individuals who, for a fee, will provide information on grants available for small business start-up, additional information available here.

Business District Incentive to Auto Dealers
In 2008, the Village of Libertyville created three business districts affecting the community's Mile of Cars.  The Plan for these districts creates an incentive for new or existing auto dealers looking to open, expand or improve an auto sales franchise within one of these districts.  Contact Heather Rowe, Economic Development Coordinator, for more information, 847-918-2028.

Services
The IL Small Business Development Center at CLC offers free counseling to existing or potential entrepreneurs.  They also have referral services for loans, financing assistance and other resources.

The Jobs Center of Lake County offers placement, resume, counseling, job fairs, and other services to job seekers.  They also offer tailored training programs to businesses and assistance in filling employment vacancies.

Fresh Start Illinois, located in Libertyville, offers job search and employment related services, as well as debt related counseling.

The U.S. Export Assistance Center's Libertyville Office is committed to assisting Lake County firms in realizing their export potential by providing services including, export counseling and advice, information on markets abroad, international partner contacts and advocacy services and more.  

The Center Point for Entrepreneurs offers business counseling, assistance in identifying financing, and low cost seminars for existing or proposed entrepreneurs.

Links to additional service providers can be found under Quick Links.

Additional Assistance
Please feel free to contact the Village's Economic Development Coordinator at (847) 918-2028 or by e-mail for assistance or referral to additional resources.