Business Assistance Programs

The City of Rock Island offers a wide variety of business assistance to new and existing Rock Island businesses to assist with increasing job opportunities for residents, expanding the City's tax base, and increasing the level of economic activity with particular emphasis on retail activity. 

Current Programs

This brochure showcases the business assistance programs currently available in Rock Island. 

Business Assistance Programs Brochure

Additional information about some of the programs can be found on the following pages:

If you are ready to discuss how your project may be a good fit for any of the business assistance programs please fill out the Rock Island Business Assistance Intake Form.

Property and Business Owners can learn more about the programs available to their specific property or register for updates on programs and events through Rock Island's CivicServe site.  

Additional Programs and Services

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Western Illinois Quad Cities is a free resource available to businesses in Rock Island. The SBDC consults on a variety of topics and is a free, confidential service. 

SCORE Quad Cities is a business mentoring group composed of retired professionals. Their services are free to local business owners. 

The Bi-State Regional Commission manages the Bi-State Revolving Loan Fund.  The focus of this business loan program is retention and/or creation of jobs.  Loan terms are based on the type of project and risk involved.  The loan application must be made with the support of the City of Rock Island.  Please contact City Staff if you are interested in pursuing this opportunity. 

The Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) offers a variety of programs that are designed to help businesses located within Rock Island. 

The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity offers a low-interest participation loan called Advantage Illinois. 

Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation offers low interest small business lending to businesses in areas of high need. 

MidAmerican Energy Company offers a number of programs to encourage energy efficiency in commercial and industrial properties.  The programs include energy design assistance, equipment discounts or rebates, and energy assessments.