Small businesses are critical to the economic strength of Illinois. They are the lifeblood of our communities and compete in the global marketplace.

Borrowers that use Harris Bank can qualify for added incentives through the State Treasurer’s new HELP Employ Illinois program. Learn more.

The Treasurer's Office helps Illinoisans start, build, sustain and grow their small businesses through the Employ Illinois program.

Employ Illinois loans are used to acquire land, purchase equipment, provide working capital, buy inventory or make capital improvements.

The Treasurer’s Office is proud to offer Employ Illinois loans to the businessmen and women of Illinois.

Please contact our office for more information about the loan possibilities for your business by e-mailing employillinois@treasurer.state.il.us or call (312) 814-8953.

Amounts and Terms:

  • Borrowers can receive loans for up to $1 million.
  • The below-market interest rate is available for two years with the possibility of a
    three-year extension.
  • The Treasurer's Office may require a site visit prior to approval.

Interest Rates:

  • Interest rates are listed daily here or you may contact our office at (217) 782-2072.
  • The listed rates are posted to give potential borrowers an indication of current rate figures.
    The final deposit rate is determined on the business day prior to issuing the loan.

Program Eligibility:

  • To qualify as a small business, gross annual receipts must be $3 million or less, or $5 million or less for businesses in low-income census tracts.
  • The applicant must provide a brief explanation as to why conventional loan financing is
    not adequate and why an Employ Illinois loan is necessary.

How to Apply:

    1. Contact the Treasurer’s Office for an overview of the program.
    2. Apply for a loan at a participating financial institution and agree to use the Employ Illinois program.
    3. Complete the Employ Illinois Business loan application and forward your application package, including all required documentation, to the Treasurer’s Office. Often times, your financial institution will provide the application and forward it on your behalf.
    4. Your financial institution must submit a completed application for deposit. Please contact the Treasurer's Office before completing this application. The contact information is listed on the application.
    5. The Treasurer's Loan Committee will review your application for approval. The committee meets twice monthly.

If you have questions or need more information, e-mail employillinois@treasurer.state.il.us or call (312) 814-8953.

Program History:

  • The Treasurer’s Office began offering its business loan program in 1998. Almost $175 million
    has been deposited since inception, reflecting 200 projects and 13,000 new jobs in Illinois.
  
   

Employ Illinois gives business owners access to capital to start or enhance their businesses with the help of low- interest rate loans.

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