The City of Zion is in a unique position to offer unmatched economic development incentives. This page is a compilation of current incentive programs offered by the City of Zion and the State of Illinois. If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact the City of Zion economic development department at 847/746-4015.

Resources Available from the City of Zion:

• Zion Business Development Program – The primary purpose of this program is to fund exterior façade improvements consistent with the city's master plan for development. Funds can also be used to fix building code violations, address environmental issues and other approved interior and exterior permanent improvements. The business owner is responsible for 25 percent of the cost of each project. The city may fund up to $100,000 in façade improvements.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts – The city has established three TIF districts to promote business growth throughout the city. For a list of members of the City of Zion TIF Review Board, go to the “Committees and Advisory Boards” page in the Community section.
• Lake County Partners – In conjunction with Lake County Partners, the City of Zion can offer assistance to new business startups in terms of preparing a business plan and evaluating the right loan program for your particular needs.
• Lake County Brownfield Grant Program -- Working with the Illinois EPA and the Lake County Brownfield Grant Program the city has been able to obtain funds to reimburse property owners for the cost of remediating contaminated sites for new developments.
• Zion Downtown Redevelopment Program (ZDRP)-- The ZDRP offers research and support for developing new projects throughout the city. Also, developers can call the city's Economic Development Office to schedule a meeting or tour of Zion with members of the ZDRP, all of whom have long history of involvement with the city and its business community.
• Your Own City Hall Meeting – “Your Own City Hall Meeting” is a pre-development service that allows an investor to meet with all city staff related to his or her project in an informal setting prior to spending funds on engineering, architectural renderings and land acquisitions. This service is provided free of charge to any interested developer.


Resources Available from the State of Illinois:
• Large Business Development Program – Low interest loans and grants up to 25 percent of the qualifying project amount.
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Business Development Public Infrastructure Program – Low interest financing to local governments for public improvements (water, wastewater extensions).
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Illinois Department of Transportation – Financial Assistance for necessary access improvements. One hundred percent financing on state highways. Fifty percent financing for local or municipal streets, municipality matches state funds.
• Job Recruitment Training Assistance – Up to 50 percent of the cost of employee training. Screening and recruitment at no cost to company.
• EGDE Tax Credit – Tax credits against Illinois income tax liability up to a maximum of ten years. Calculated from personal income tax collected against salaries paid to employees in new jobs created at the project.
• Training Expense Credit – Elective state income tax credit calculated as 1.6 percent of the costs employers incur in training their new employees.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit – Credit for new employees who have received public aid for the past 18 months.
• Manufacturer's Purchase Credit – Credit to apply against Illinois sales tax liability for purchase of manufacturing equipment.
• Research and Development Tax Credit – Illinois income tax credit of 6.5 percent for research activities.
• Enterprise Zone Benefits – Exemptions on utility taxes, sales tax on building materials, manufacturing equipment and an investment tax credit.