Financing Growth All Over Illinois
The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) provides expert, hands-on support to help businesses get the capital they need for growth. To strengthen Illinois businesses and the State’s economic development agenda, the IFA provides access to low-cost, non-conventional financing, through banks and other sources. IFA secures financing for farms, industries, businesses, local governments, hospitals and other non-profits. The agency is continually seeking new opportunities to grow businesses that retain and create jobs in Illinois. We invite developers, financiers, and community partners to explore this website and contact us to see how IFA can help.
Rural Business Disaster Relief Loan Program
In participation with the Rural Development Administration’s Intermediary Relending Program, the Illinois Finance Authority will provide financial relief to Illinois businesses located in rural communities with populations of less than 25,000 that have been impacted by 2012 weather – related events in Williamson, Gallatin and Saline counties. Loan proceeds may be used to finance the purchase of land, construction or renovation of an industrial or commercial building or purchase of machinery and equipment.
New Tools for Growth
Midwestern Disaster Area Bonds
Midwestern Disaster Area Bonds authorized by the Federal government are a money-saving incentive for certain commercial, industrial, manufacturing, retail and public utility projects that help restore jobs and repair damage related to 2008 flood damage in these troubled regions. Projects in 18 counties are eligible for this reduced-rate capital.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds
QECBs are qualified tax credit bonds. With tax credit bonds, generally the issuer of the bond pays back only the principal of the bond, and the bondholder receives federal tax credits in lieu of the traditional bond interest.
New 2012 Aggie Bond Limits!
For calendar year 2012, the maximum Beginning Farmer Loan Program loan amount increases to $488,600.
For more information, please visit the Beginning Farmer Bond Program page for all eligibility requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Lorrie Karcher, Program Administrator, at 618-244-2424.
Message from the Executive Director
Read monthly messages from Executive Director Christopher B. Meister to the IFA's Board of Directors.
Speech by the Executive Director
On May 9, 2012, Executive Director Christopher B. Meister addressed the City Club of Chicago. He talked about the fiscal stability of our State, the value IFA has added to Illinois’ economy and the opportunities that lay ahead of us.
