Business and Economic Development

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Applications Now Open For Skokie's Emerging / Start-up Business Assistance Program

As of March, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury established the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Village of Skokie has allocated $325,000 in ARPA funding to assist Skokie-based emerging and start-up businesses (particularly, business owners who qualify as minority-owned or as low income) who have been negatively impacted by closures, revenue loss or disproportionate economic hardships in their growth or establishment due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. SESBA grants will provide technical assistance, counseling and other services and resources to assist with business planning and implementation for these 'at risk' and disproportionately impacted businesses to achieve economic stabilization within the community and to rebuild a stronger, more equitable economy as the country recovers. 

 If you are a business owner with a business located in Skokie, IL which was legally established on or after January 27, 2019 and have received a Certificate of Occupancy or equivalent business license from the Village of Skokie since that date, are a minority-owned business or an income eligible/income qualifying business as per standard HUD income limits, or a business in the tourism, travel or hospitality industries, please consider completing Step 1 of the SESBA application below.  Application scoring will include completeness of the Step 1 application, follow-up documentation, and responsiveness by the emerging/start-up business owner.  

For Further information and to begin the Step 1 application, please CLICK HERE

SkokieBiz - Latest News

June 27, 2023Puttshack Opening Second Location In Chicago AreaFOX 32 Chicago
June 14, 2023The Tasty Crab Expanding To Second Location In SkokieWhat Now Chicago
May 31, 2023Developers Push Ahead With 300-Unit Housing Project In SkokieCrains Chicago Business
May 10, 2023Offices Near Old Orchard Touted As Apartment RedevelopmentCrains Chicago Business
May 9, 2023Skokie Approves 192-Unit Residential Development Near CTA Yellow LineChicago Tribune
April 24, 2023In Skokie's State Of The Village, Mayor Highlights Businesses, Sustainability, Water Lines, HousingChicago Tribune
April 24, 2023Skokie's Westfield Old Orchard Plans To Boost Medical Office Space; Stores And Restaurants OpeningChicago Tribune
April 18, 2023Skokie To Make $4.5 Million Loan To Developer Of Downtown HotelChicago Tribune
April 1, 2023Skokie Mayor Van Dusen Wins Visionary Leadership Award From Regional Planning GroupChicago Tribune
March 14, 2023Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield To Add 200,000 SF Of Healthcare Space At Old Orchard Mall In SkokieREBusiness Online
March 14, 2023Homewood Suites Hotel And Conference Center Tops Out In SkokieChicago YIMBY
March 13, 2023Your Next Checkup Could Be At Old Orchard MallCrain's Chicago Business
March 10, 2023The Capital Grille Opens New Location At Westfield Old Orchard MallNBC 5 Chicago
February 27, 2023Skokie OK's Six-Story Mixed-Use Building On Skokie Blvd., Grants $1.7 Million TIF FundingChicago Tribune
February 20, 2023New Leader Hopes To Amp Up Productions At Skokie's North Shore Center For The Performing ArtsChicago Tribune
January 3, 2023Skokie Mayor Looks Ahead To 2023; Keeping Retail Alive, Electoral Change, EV's, Affordable HousingChicago Tribune


To View Archived SKOKIEBIZ - In the News CLICK HERE

  1. Westfield_Old_Orchard_Landscape_1_H copy 2 (2)

    Westfield Old Orchard Center Business District and Redevelopment Agreement Approved

    On March 7, 2022, the Skokie Village Board approved the designation of Westfield Old Orchard shopping center, the Village’s premiere sales tax generator, as an official Business District. Read on...
  2. Westfield Old Orchard (JPG)

    Village Statement on Possible Westfield Old Orchard Sale

    During the recent creation of the Westfield Old Orchard Business District, the possibility of mall ownership changes or joint ventures were contemplated and addressed by Village leaders. Read on...
  3. 3300 Dempster Rendering

    New Mixed-Use Project Approved at 3300 Dempster Street

    Construction is expected to begin later this year on a new 23 unit mixed-use residential building located at 3300 Dempster Street. Read on...
  4. IMG_2570

    Find Your New Home at Highpoint at 8000 North!

    Leasing is well underway at Skokie's newest luxury residences, Highpoint at 8000 North. Read on...

Skokie's Snapshot

Through thoughtful planning, overall spirit of cooperation, and a steadfast vision for growth, Skokie has grown into a thriving center of commerce, with many vibrant retail centers, commercial districts, employment centers, a strong and diverse industrial base, and extensive professional services. Businesses in Skokie appreciate their strategic location here for many good reasons.

Fiscal Resolve and Strategic Location

The Village has not increased its property tax levy since 1991, and there are no head taxes, sewer taxes or impact fees as there are in other municipalities.  Skokie geographically sits in a prime location connected by major highways and public transportation to Chicago and O'Hare Airport, conveniently accessible to suppliers, customers, and labor markets.

Accreditation

The Village's high bond rating attests to a strong economic health and prudent fiscal management. Skokie is the first municipality nationwide to achieve nationally accredited Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, and a Class-1 Fire Department as rated by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

Resident Benefits

Skokie boasts many fine cultural and recreational attractions, a high quality housing stock in a variety of styles and prices, and an excellent array of both public and private schools. Some of the country's finest universities and community colleges are also in close proximity to the Village. Thanks to the community's strong tax base, Skokie's 67,824 residents enjoy the best in school districts, parks and recreational programs.  The Village consistently ranks in the Top 5 Suburbs in which to buy a home by Crain's Chicago Business. 

Contact Us

Economic Development Division

Email: EconomicDevelopment@skokie.org
Phone: 847/933-847