News & Events

The Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program will provide funding to small businesses that have fewer than 25 employees or owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Grant application is open now through April 7, 2025.

The 2025 Createur Conference will take place at Olivet Nazarene University April 3 and 4, 2025. The annual conference and pitch competition was created to inspire and encourage the young entrepreneurs to begin business ventures; build connections with faith-driven peers and professionals; identify best practices for start-up businesses; and explore untapped potential business opportunities.

New grants available at Kankakee Community College will fund a student’s tuition, fees, books and supplies, and assist with other expenses. It is available to students enrolled in manufacturing and information technology programs, industries where there are not enough local workers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has declared Kankakee County as a disaster area following storms which occurred July 13-16, 2024. The incidents included severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding. Businesses and residents affected by these storms may be eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

In recognition of ComEd’s successful efforts to achieve best-in-class reliability, PA Consulting, the global innovation and transformation consultancy, yesterday presented the electric company the 2024 ReliabilityOne® award for Outstanding Reliability Performance in the Midwest Metropolitan Service Area. ComEd also received the Climate Action Leader award for advancing the planning and operations to transition into a cleaner future grid.

Each year Thrive Magazine highlights Kankakee County’s strengths and potential for success.  The magazine covers topics such as infrastructure projects, capital improvements, and the county’s appeal to investors and employers. Check out the 2024-2025 Thrive.

The Grundy Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board contracted Chmura to perform a Labor Shed Market Analysis for Kankakee County. The full report offers an in-depth look at the labor market dynamics in and around Kankakee County, Illinois. This analysis is crucial for understanding the current labor supply, workforce characteristics, underemployment patterns, commuting trends, and skills gaps in the region.

The Employee Training Investment Program Grant can reimburse up to 50% of training costs, allowing manufacturers to provide their workers with the skills needed to keep them safe and productive as well as grow their abilities.

ComEd is again being hailed as a national leader for its work to drive economic growth and job creation across northern Illinois, according to new rankings out today by Site Selection Magazine, which named ComEd as one of the Top 20 utilities in economic development.

State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) will be hosting an upcoming On-the-Spot event with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to assist constituents with the professional licensing process.