Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency

Kankakee Economic and Community Development Agency The ECDA is a department of the City of Kankakee whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakeeans and enhance the economic vitality of Kankakee.

The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state, and local funding. Visit our website to fill out our pre-application to see if you are eligible for any of our programs, including the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Abatement Program. Thinking about starting a new business? You've come to the right place! Visit our Business Resources page to get started, or call our Economic Development team today for assistance.

We are only a week away from our Neighborhood Cookout at Beckman Park!! Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 1pm to 4p...
09/06/2026

We are only a week away from our Neighborhood Cookout at Beckman Park!! Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 1pm to 4pm for a great afternoon with music from Ch*****ne Experience, a preview of Kankakee Valley Theatre Association's upcoming production of Dreamgirls, a reptile show from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab, activities for all ages including one hosted by the Kankakee Public Library, and resources from community agencies including blood pressure checks from Riverside!

Invite your friends, tell your family this is part of their weekend plans, and we'll see you next weekend!

You can read all the details about our Neighborhood Cookout on the ECDA website at bit.ly/ECDAoutreach.

📍 Where's Leo?You might recognize the mural at The Majestic but do you know why Leo was there?As ECDA's Economic Develop...
09/05/2026

📍 Where's Leo?

You might recognize the mural at The Majestic but do you know why Leo was there?

As ECDA's Economic Development Navigator, Leo Jaramillo spends a lot of time out in the Kankakee community connecting with businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs, and residents.

These visits are an important part of economic development. They give us the opportunity to listen, learn what's happening locally, build relationships, and connect people with resources and opportunities.

Thanks for welcoming Leo and giving us the opportunity to connect. Keep an eye out for our next "Where's Leo?" stop!

The ECDA office will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. We will resume our regular hours on Tu...
09/04/2026

The ECDA office will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. We will resume our regular hours on Tuesday, September 8 at 8am.

Six new businesses are joining the Kankakee business community!In the month of August, 6 new business licenses were issu...
09/04/2026

Six new businesses are joining the Kankakee business community!

In the month of August, 6 new business licenses were issued in the City of Kankakee.

Every new business represents an entrepreneur taking a chance, creating something new, and investing in our community. From new ideas to new storefronts and services to expansions or ownership changes, these businesses add to the variety, energy, and opportunity in Kankakee.

We're excited to welcome these businesses and look forward to watching them grow!

Welcome to the Kankakee business community!

Join us for our next Community Conversation in ONE WEEK on Thursday, September 10 at 5:30pm at the Kankakee Public Libra...
09/04/2026

Join us for our next Community Conversation in ONE WEEK on Thursday, September 10 at 5:30pm at the Kankakee Public Library!

We hope to see you as we learn about the Community Development Block Grant and have the opportunity to share our thoughts about the needs of of community. Get your questions answered, meet your neighbors, and learn something new. Help us shape the future of local grant dollar spending!

Registration is not required, but encouraged. An interpreter will be available. You can find it at the link in our bio or here - bit.ly/ECDAsept26commconvo

Our Neighborhood Cookout at Beckman Park is next Saturday, September 12 from 1pm to 4pm, and we are very pleased to anno...
09/03/2026

Our Neighborhood Cookout at Beckman Park is next Saturday, September 12 from 1pm to 4pm, and we are very pleased to announce that the cast of Kankakee Valley Theatre Association's Dreamgirls will be performing! Get a preview of the show and be sure to purchase your tickets for their performances coming up on September 18, 19, and 20th!

In addition to our KVTA friends, our Neighborhood Cookout will also feature live music from the Ch*****ne Experience , a reptile show from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue & Rehab , activities for all ages including one hosted by the Kankakee Public Library, and resources from community agencies including blood pressure checks from Riverside!

Invite your friends, tell your family this is part of their weekend plans, and we'll see you there!

You can read all the details about our Neighborhood Cookout on the ECDA website at bit.ly/ECDAoutreach.

Starting a business? One of your first big decisions is how to structure it.Your business structure can affect how you'r...
09/02/2026

Starting a business? One of your first big decisions is how to structure it.

Your business structure can affect how you're taxed, what tax forms you file, your recordkeeping requirements, and your legal responsibilities.

Common structures include (definitions simplified for post): Sole Proprietorship – A business owned and operated by one individual; Partnership – A business owned by two or more people; Corporation – A separate legal entity owned by shareholders; Limited Liability Company (LLC) – A business structure created under state law that can offer different legal and tax considerations.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The right structure depends on your business, your goals, and your individual circumstances. Before making your decision, consider talking with a qualified attorney or tax professional who can help you understand your options and determine what may make sense for your business.

Helpful resources:
🔗 IRS: Business Structures
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/business-structures
🔗 Illinois Secretary of State: Business Services
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business-services.html
🔗 Illinois Secretary of State: Business Forms & Publications
https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/business-services.html

Planning now can help you build a stronger foundation for what's next!

As we are approaching our Neighborhood Cookout, we want to recognize our Community Connector sponsors that have helped m...
08/31/2026

As we are approaching our Neighborhood Cookout, we want to recognize our Community Connector sponsors that have helped make this event possible. We're so grateful for the support of Aqua and Trendz Beauty Supply!

We hope you'll join us on Saturday, September 12th for an afternoon filled with fun, food, and fellowship with activities, music from the Ch*****ne Experience, resources from community agencies, and a reptile show from Spizzirri Reptile Rescue and Rehabilitation! You can see all the details on the ECDA website at bit.ly/ECDAoutreach.

We also hope you'll check out the resources Aqua has on their website at https://www.aquawater.com/customers/guides-tips and make plans to visit Trendz Beauty Supply on East Court Street soon!

Join us for our next Community Conversation on Thursday, September 10 at 5:30pm at the Kankakee Public Library! We hope ...
08/28/2026

Join us for our next Community Conversation on Thursday, September 10 at 5:30pm at the Kankakee Public Library!

We hope to see you as we learn about the Community Development Block Grant and have the opportunity to share our thoughts about the needs of of community. Get your questions answered, meet your neighbors, and learn something new. Help us shape the future of local grant dollar spending!

Registration is not required, but encouraged. An interpreter will be available. You can find it at the link in our bio or here - bit.ly/ECDAsept26commconvo

Join our friends at the Kankakee Public Library on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm for their ribbon-cutting to celebrate t...
08/26/2026

Join our friends at the Kankakee Public Library on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm for their ribbon-cutting to celebrate their renovated garden area and the unveiling of a new mural done by the Youth Services Department!

Address

275 E. Court Street, Suite 201
Kankakee, IL
60901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18159330506

Website

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