Evanston Edge
The City of Evanston's Economic Development Division
Business Toolbox
Everything you need to start, grow, move, expand, or sell your business in Evanston
Zoning
Learn where in Evanston your business can open
Permits & Licenses
Learn what licenses and permits your business needs
Resources & Incentives
Learn about business incentives in Evanston
Workforce Development
Recruit Evanston Employees
Workforce development programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program and Small Business Workforce Development Program can help grow your staff.
The Local Employment Program (LEP) connects qualified Evanston residents with jobs as laborers, apprentices and journeymen in such trades as electrical, HVAC, carpentry, masonry, concrete, finishing, truck drivers, etc. for construction projects within the city.
Available Space
Find a home for your business in Evanston
Explore Evanston
Find a home for your business in Evanston
Main-Dempster Mile
Anchored by two CTA purple line stops and the Main Street METRA station, you don't need a car to experience a variety of unique independent shops and restaurants. Visit the Main-Dempster Mile Special Service Area online.
Central Street
Central Street has its own “village” feel and is host to a wide selection of small locally owned shops, as well as Northwestern University's Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Noyes Street
Surrounded by single-family homes, the neighborhood is home to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center and a mix of shops and restaurants serving neighborhood residents as well as Northwestern students, faculty and staff.
Howard Street
Anchored on the east by the Howard Street CTA station and stretching west to Ridge Avenue, the Howard Street commercial corridor forms Evanston's southern border with the City of Chicago, and contains an eclectic mix of celebrated local businesses.
West End
This area has historically been home to Evanston's industrial and manufacturing businesses. Today, the neighborhood includes IRMCO, Temperance Brewing Company, Ward Manufacturing, and other manufacturing companies.
Central Evanston
The area around Church Street and Dodge Avenue features a variety of shops and neighborhood services that thrive off the neighborhood's close proximity to the students and families at Evanston Township High School. Visit the Central Evanston Business Association online.
West Village
Evanston's West Village includes a collection of businesses focused on recreation, wellness, and the arts. The recently renovated Evanston Plaza shopping center includes the Valli Produce grocery store, as well as Dance Center Evanston.
Southwest Evanston
The three shopping centers of Southwest Evanston feature convenient parking and national brands including Target, Best Buy, PetSmart, Sam's Club, Aldi, Marshall's, and Home Depot.
Food & Drink
Evanston is home to a celebrated dining scene with over 100 restaurants, bars, and specialty shops to choose from. The businesses below were featured in a recent issue Make it Better Magazine but there are plenty of places to explore. See more at http://bit.ly/evanstonfood.
Social Feed
Explore Evanston on Social Media
About Us
The Economic Development Division helps businesses grow the Evanston economy as we strive to create the most livable city in America.
Economic Development Staff
We work closely with local, county, and State officials to advance economic development efforts in Evanston and our region. The Economic Development Team has built strategic partnerships with the Evanston business community, including Northwestern University and local and national companies of all sizes. We are very active in our local business district and merchant associations and strongly believe in getting to know and work with the people who create business in Evanston.
Phone: 847-448-4311
Mail: City of Evanston Economic Development Division
2100 Ridge Ave., Rm. 3600
Evanston, IL 60201
Economic Development Committee
Meetings of the Economic Development Committee are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Items submitted for consideration by the Economic Development Committee should be filed with the Economic Development Division Staff no later than two weeks prior to the meeting date.
View Agendas & Minutes
Trending Topics & Facts
The Trending Topics and Facts page is designed to provide clarity and details on topics of interest circulating in the community, eliminate misconceptions, and spread accurate information about City of Evanston projects and activities.
Economic Development Work Plan & Reports
Proposed Planned Development Projects
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