Welcome to Greater Peoria, a five-county region in central Illinois anchored by the city of Peoria, where you can enjoy a vibrant, big-city lifestyle with a small-town feel. With stunning riverfronts, vibrant downtowns, a talented workforce, and a history of innovation, Greater Peoria sets itself apart with its growing and diverse economy. Cost of living is low. Quality of life is high. Commutes are short. And the list of things to do is long. Whether you are looking for a welcoming community to call home or a new place to start or expand your business, Greater Peoria — named the most affordable midsized community in the United States by AdvisorSmith— provides abundant opportunities for you to build a fulfilling career with plenty of time to make memories with those you love.
In 2024, the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council forged new partnerships, expanded workforce initiatives, and nurtured local and international business connections—ensuring every corner of Greater Peoria thrives while laying a strong foundation for future growth.
Greater Peoria is the ideal destination for businesses looking to relocate or expand. With a central location, a supportive business environment, and a skilled workforce, our region offers unmatched opportunities for growth. Explore properties that fit your needs—from shovel-ready industrial sites to modern office spaces—and discover why Greater Peoria is the place where your business possibilities grow.
GPEDC drives sustainable growth across five Central Illinois counties by connecting businesses with resources, fostering partnerships, and supporting initiatives in workforce development, business support, and rural innovation.
Illinois Central College (ICC) Business Solutions is your go-to partner for customized workforce training and professional development. Designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses, ICC’s programs focus on equipping employees with the skills required to succeed in today’s competitive market. Through tailored training solutions, certification programs, and industry-specific courses, ICC Business Solutions empowers businesses of all sizes to attract, develop, and retain top talent. From technical skills to leadership development, ICC works hand-in-hand with employers to create a workforce that drives innovation and growth. Whether you’re expanding your operations, starting a new venture, or strengthening your team, ICC Business Solutions offers the expertise and resources to make your workforce strategy a success.
The Connecting the Dots through Business Outreach project focuses on leveraging the Greater Peoria area's unique mix of urban and rural economies, aiming to revitalize the region by engaging with businesses outside urban centers, particularly starting in Lincoln and Logan County
Your business will never find a region as welcoming and helpful as Greater Peoria. Find all current economic and community data resources you will need for growing your business. Why Greater Peoria? Because we make it easy for you to join a business community that is primed for resilient growth in a strategically desirable location.
Build the life you want in a region full of possibilities. By providing a truly urban center experience, small town community, and solitude in rural contexts, Greater Peoria gives you the luxury of choosing life at your own pace. Grab a bite in a vibrant downtown and then drive ten minutes to enjoy the natural beauty of our river bluffs or countryside. Your daily commute will never be the same: experience less traffic and more living in Greater Peoria.
The Greater Peoria EDC partners with employers, educational institutions, and social service agencies to build a robust and equitable talent pipeline. We are prepared to outfit your business with the talent you need to find success in the emerging global economy.
We are custodians to The Big Table Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Built over a two year period of hosting conversations with our diverse communities and building partnerships with numerous stakeholders, the Big Table CEDS guides our common work of making the region a great place to live, work and play—for everyone. Dive into why the National Association of Development Organizations lists our CEDS as Best Practice for Equity and Inclusion.
At the heart of Greater Peoria is a thriving healthcare industry, anchored by established institutions and supported by innovative startups and research. Our healthcare industry, ranked as the 6th midsize healthcare hub in the country by Business Facilities, employs over 30,000 people in the region. Innovation, quality and affordability are the hallmarks of our healthcare industry.
As a midsize metro, we take the needs of our existing and startup businesses very seriously. The companies that are located here benefit from a highly collaborative and supportive business community. We will partner with you throughout your business journey from inception to scaling. Our dedication to our region’s companies ensures their growth and resiliency.
The Greater Peoria EDC has a Soft Landing Program to help foreign businesses start up their first American Location. We will hold your hand from start to the finish line and success.
The Greater Peoria region has long been known for its manufacturing prowess. From our early days as the “Whiskey Capital of the World,” to the vital role in developing the mass production process for penicillin during WWII, to the growth of Caterpillar as the world-leader in earth movers and now the emergence of Jump Trade Simulation and our burgeoning biomedical research hub, we continue to evolve. Supported by our manufacturing and medical ecosystems and a community of supportive resources, Greater Peoria is well-positioned to become a biomedical manufacturing leader in the Midwest.
The Technology Industry Grant Program is a new initiative developed by the City of Peoria to provide grants to technology industry-related businesses seeking to locate or expand within Peoria.
Familiarize yourself with the Greater Peoria Region. Explore our attractions and businesses.
We are here to help. Whether you need economic data to help expand your business or need business assistance or resources to help you make a relocation decision, the Greater Peoria EDC is here for you. Contact us today.
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