Invest in Illinois

Overview

Invest in Illinois is a collection of programs offered by the Treasurer’s Office – (1) Ag Invest, (2) Business Invest, and (3) Community Invest – that provide impact investment deposits to lending institutions to provide consumer loans, assist with farm-related expenses, finance business expansion, and fund other important economic development activities. By providing access to State investment capital at a lower rate, Invest in Illinois incentivizes financial institutions to lend to groups marginalized by limited access to loans or high interest rates at a lower cost to borrowers. 

Win-Win Strategy

As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, the Treasurer’s Office has a tremendous opportunity to generate investment earnings while simultaneously creating economic growth here in Illinois. The Treasurer’s Office is particularly focused on championing, growing, and investing in underserved areas of Illinois, be it rural small towns, suburban communities, or large city centers. Not only are there excellent investment opportunities in these communities, but also opportunities to create jobs, drive business growth, and build long-term economic prosperity.

Community Development Linked Deposit Programs (Linked Deposit).  The suite of Invest in Illinois impact investment deposit programs, including Ag Invest, Business Invest, CUP Business Invest, SCALE UP, and Community Invest Opportunity Illinois, are community development-linked deposit programs that provide below-market deposit funds to financial institutions for the purpose of providing low-interest loans to qualified borrowers at the direction of the Treasurer’s Office. Through community development linked deposits, the Treasurer’s Office earns an investment return on the money deposited, participating financial institutions earn interest on the money they lend, and qualified borrowers gain access to reduced-cost loans they can use to access capital for personal needs, expand their business, or improve their farm.

Visit the Community Development Linked Deposit Program page for more information.

For over 41 years, the Treasurer’s Office has provided loan opportunities for Illinois farmers through Ag Invest. Through its commitment to Ag Invest, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions to provide qualified farmers, agribusinesses, and agriculture professionals with below-market-rate loans to start, expand, or add value to their farm operations. The loans provided by the financial institution can be used to purchase farm equipment, land, or construction-related expenses; for operating lines of credit; or for other costs related to conventional or sustainable farming.

The Treasurer’s Ag Invest program is the nation’s most expansive agriculture impact investment deposit program. Since 1983, Ag Invest has loaned more than $5 billion in annual and long-term loans.

Visit the Ag Invest page for more information about loan opportunities for your farm or agri-business.

Businesses in underserved communities often struggle to access affordable loan opportunities and financial capital. In many instances, businesses would expand their operations, make business improvements, and hire more workers with increased access to low-cost loans.

Business Invest is a business-focused loan impact investment program. Through Business Invest, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions to provide low-cost loans to businesses in underserved communities. This provides the Treasurer’s Office with an opportunity to stimulate business growth and economic activity while earning a competitive return for the State.

For example, through the Business Invest – Community Uplift Program (“CUP”), the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions, including community banks, local credit unions, and savings and loan institutions, to make impact investment deposits to provide below-market-rate loans to businesses in Illinois. By making it more affordable for financial institutions to offer low-cost business loans, Business Invest helps grow companies and create jobs in underserved communities while earning a competitive return for the State.

Through the Business Invest – Sub-Contractor Accelerator Loan Engine Program (SCALE UP Program), the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions to provide vital economic support to small, diverse businesses to facilitate or expand access to capital for diverse (MWVD) small construction companies in the state of Illinois that have contracts with government entities or major real estate developers.

Visit the Business Invest page for more information.

There are communities throughout Illinois that struggle with unemployment, poverty, affordable housing, and a lack of economic activity. Greater access to affordable financing can help individuals, families, and community organizations build stability and spark local growth.

Community Invest is a consumer-focused impact investment program. Through it, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions to increase access to low-cost loans in underserved communities—supporting economic activity across Illinois while earning a competitive return for the State.

For example, through the Community Invest – Opportunity Illinois, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions, including community banks, local credit unions, and savings and loan institutions, to provide below-market rate loans to individuals and families in Illinois.  By making it more affordable for financial institutions to offer low-cost consumer loans, such as home mortgages, auto loans, student loans, or personal loans, Community Invest stimulates economic opportunity in underserved areas while earning a competitive return for the State.

Community Invest expands access to affordable loans in underserved Illinois communities. Visit the Community Invest page for more information.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please contact us at 217-558-6217 or investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov