ESTABLISHED Business Owners - Aledo

As an established business owner, growth and innovation are key to long-term success. Whether you’re expanding, adopting new technology, or seeking funding, Mercer County’s Yellow Brick Road leads you to the resources that will support your next steps.
Explore the services available to help your business thrive.

  • Point of Contact:
    Lindsey Dunn
    309-582-2751
    www.aledomainstreet.com

    Provide info & resources for and on Historic Preservation.

  • Point of Contact:
    Lindsey Dunn
    309-582-2751
    www.aledomainstreet.com

    Aledo Main Street facilitates the Main Street Farmers Market in Downtown Aledo. Any interested vendor can contact AMS for info. Produce, Meat, Baked goods, Honey, Jam, Flowers, Artisan items, etc. are accepted. Homegrown & Handmade!

  • Point of Contact:
    Lindsey Dunn
    309-582-2751
    www.aledomainstreet.com

    The Lease Expense Assistance Program (LEAP) is a 1 year only Lease Assistance Program to help provide an incentive for potential tenants to consider opening a business in Historic Downtown Aledo by reducing the first year lease cost for qualified applicants.

  • Point of Contact:
    Lindsey Dunn
    309-582-2751
    info@aledomainstreet.com
    www.aledomainstreet.com

    Monthly "networking" meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, for community leaders (business owners, organization directors, engaged volunteers, etc.) to communicate and give updates of what businesses/organizations have going on/coming up so community leaders are aware and can share happenings in Aledo. These meetings are moved around to different locations around Aledo each month.

  • Point of Contact
    Julia Bosold
    events@visitmerco.com
    www.visitmerco.com

    Event planning services as a fee for service.

  • Point of Contact
    Kayla Bustamante
    contact@visitmerco.com
    www.visitmerco.com

    Offering marketing through exposure on the Visit Merco website, social media and email channels. Marketing services are also available for businesses through social media, website design, public relations, etc. ; as a fee for service.

  • Point of Contact
    contact@visitmerco.com
    (309) 507-2687

    Visit MerCo is your go-to source for the latest tourism intel.  We provide crucial data on things like trending tourism activities, event attendance figures, key business development insights, and more.  This service offered by Visit MerCo can empower you to make informed business decisions and capitalize on opportunities based on our local tourism data.

BONUS SERVICES

  • Point of Contact:
    Frank Perez
    309-732-4024
    www.bridgeinvestmentcdc.org

    "Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation (Bridge Investment) is a mission-driven, non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to helping small businesses and microenterprises by providing loan capital with flexible terms and rates to help them sustain and grow. Bridge Investment is a national non-profit, but focuses its work in the states of Iowa and Illinois within areas with the highest need. Loans outside of Iowa and Illinois will be considered on a case by case basis. Business applicants may be in the start-up phase, existing, or expanding.We are a CDFI. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are dedicated to delivering responsible lending opportunities. By putting community first, we offer fair and affordable loans and financial products that will facilitate your access to financial opportunities and success. CDFIs reach deep and lend where it counts."

  • Point of Contact:
    Ann Friederichs
    309-762-3999 ext 62243
    https://wiusbdc.org

    “The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University (IL SBDC WIU) and the Illinois International Trade Center provide FREE, confidential advising and training to help entrepreneurs and businesses start, grow, prepare to export, and sustain their businesses."

  • Point of Contact:
    1-800-634-0245
    www.score.org

    SCORE's mission: SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education., SCORE'S Vision: We aim to give every person the support they need to thrive as a small business owner. Mentorship, training, and an array of resources.

  • Point of Contact:
    Answer Desk
    1-800-827-5722
    https://www.sba.gov/

    “SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover."

  • Point of Contact
    Kyle McEwen
    309-574-3123
    kyle@mcbettertogether.org

    “The Mercer-Muscatine County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a federally capitalized loan fund that provides “gap loans” to businesses that are creating or retaining jobs in Mercer County, Illinois or Muscatine County, Iowa.”

To help areas that need a little boost, designated TIF districts have been set up. Sales and property taxes in those districts may be used in ways that encourage new economic development and job creation. It’s a way to reinvest in those areas.

We’ve provided current contact info to help you discover how TIF districts can benefit your business.

TIF Districts