Bi-State Regional Commission is designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA). EDA is one of the few federal agencies which include Bi-State's Iowa counties in one district served by the Chicago regional office. Bi-State, as an EDD, is responsible for coordinating economic development activities and offers assistance with regional and community economic development efforts throughout the five-county region. Communities and counties continually seek ways to increase employment and improve the quality of life. Staff can provide a variety of information and resources that may aid economic development activities.

Capital Improvement Programs help decide project needs and available funding, and include multiple-year plans to accomplish projects.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an annual report of the economic conditions of the Region. The report includes updated data and analysis of economic factors, a list of proposed infrastructure projects, and goals and strategies in support of economic development.

Grant Applications for infrastructure, public facilities, law enforcement programs, recreation and open space, housing rehabilitation, economic development projects, and solid waste/recycling.

Grant Management for any type of awarded project, maintaining compliance with all applicable state and federal guidelines and requirements.

Data and Information - Bi-State Regional Commission is the one-stop center for data and information services in the Bi-State region. Our DataGraphics Center compiles a vast array of up-to-date information related to the five-county region and the states of Illinois and Iowa. The Center is a federal repository for census documents and publications. A large store of information describing the socioeconomic characteristics of the Region (or any part within) is maintained. This type of information is helpful in attracting new business and assisting business expansion decisions.

Regional and Intergovernmental Programs
The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program provides gap financing for business startups or expansions that create or retain jobs. It is open to businesses in Rock Island and Scott Counties and assists businesses primarily related to industry, light manufacturing and service industry. The Progress is tied to job creation/retention with loan terms of $7,500 per job (additional dollars per job may be considered with high paying job offering generous benefit packages). A 10% equity injection by the owner along with a personal guaranty. Interest rate as low as 4% below prime with a minimum of 4% allowed and a term not to exceed 10 years. Total dollars loaned to date are $8.2 million for 90 transacations creating over 2,800 jobs.

The RLF program targets businesses that cannot obtain full financing because of conventional interest rates and lending/exposure limits applied by local lending institutions. It is intended to provide the funds that complete the financial package by financing the "gap" created by these conditions. The program offers low interest loans to industrial, commercial, light manufacturing, retail and service industries for expansion and development purposes. Funds can be used towards the purchase of fixed assets (land, building and equipment) and for working capital purposes.

Note: Henry County operates a revolving loan fund obtained from US EDA.

il-bro-rlf-pro.pdf (270.3 KB)
Illinois Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Proposal

RLF Econ dev Loan App.doc (72.7 KB) Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund Application

eco-dev-loa-app.pdf (75.6 KB) Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund Application

rlf-pro-des.pdf (84.9 KB) RLF Program Description