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      • Home
      • Business Toolbox
      • Available Space
      • Explore Evanston
      • Food & Drink
      • Social Feed
      • About Us
      • Connect With Us
      • Proposed Development Projects
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        • 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

          • Find your zoning district
          • Zoning Analysis
          • Zoning Map
          • Special Use Permits

           

           

           

           

           

          Permits & Licenses

          Learn what licenses and permits your business needs

          • General Business License
          • Food Establishment License
          • Home-based Businesses
          • Liquor Licenses
          • Home Daycare Permit
          • General Contractor Licensing
          • Building Permits
          • Sign permits

           

          Resources & Incentives

          Learn about business incentives in Evanston

          • Storefront Modernization Program (Guidelines)(Application) 
          • Entrepreneurship Support Program (Guidelines)(Application) 
          • Business District Grants
          • General Economic Development Assistance
          • Community Business Academy
          • SBA resources

          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

          Downtown Evanston

          Downtown

          Downtown Evanston is a dynamic city center that is home to over 100 dining options for every palate and budget. Here you will discover a mix of local boutiques and big name brands that make an ideal shopper’s paradise.

          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.

          Homestead Meats

          1305 Chicago Ave.

          DB3 Donuts

          1704 Central St. 

          Ten Mile House

          1700 Central St.

          FEW Spirits

          980 Chicago Ave.

          The Spice House

          1941 Central St. 

          Hewn

          810 Dempster St.

          Ward Eight

          629 Howard St.

          Hearth

          1625 Hinman Ave. 

          Curt's Cafe

          2922 Central St. 
          AND

          1813 Dempster St.

          Hoosier Mama Pie Co.

          749 Chicago Ave.

        • 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

          List of projects receiving ED funding assistance

          2015 Economic Development Work Plan Update
          2013 Economic Development Work Plan

           

          Quarterly Reports:

          • 2017 (Q1) (Q2) (Q3/Q4) (annual)
          • 2016 (Q1) (Q2) (Q3) (Q4) (annual)
          • 2015 (Q1) (Q2) (Q3) (Q4) (annual)
          • 2014 (Q1) (Q2) (Q3) (Q4) (annual)
          • 2013 (Q1) (Q2) (Q3) (Q4) (annual)
        • Connect With Us

          Get the latest news by following us on social media

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        • Proposed Planned Development Projects

          A Planned Development is a particular type of special use that requires specific review by DAPR, the Plan Commission, and City Council. Generally, planned development rules apply for projects involving more than 24 housing units, a lot larger than 30,000 square feet, or new construction of 20,000 square feet of floor area. Evanston's Zoning Ordinance contains general regulations for planned developments in section 6-3-6.

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