Below is a list of economic development organizations partnered with the City of Highland to establish a network of support to help advance our region.
Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois:
The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is a not-for-profit member-based economic development corporation in Southwestern Illinois that works to unite the region for economic growth through its coalition of 250 board members who are leaders in business, industry, workforce, education, and government. These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts throughout the Metro East Region. The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois develops the regional economic development agenda. Since 1983, the organization has served as one voice, strengthening public/private partnerships throughout Southwestern Illinois to lay the foundation for job growth and business retention. The Council fosters relationships and partnerships on both sides of the river, recognizing that our efforts have an impact that affects not just Southwestern Illinois, but also the entire St. Louis Region
Small Business Development Center at SIUE:
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with no-cost, confidential, one-on-one business advising services, research, resources and low-cost training programs.
We work with real people and real businesses in southern Illinois, providing professional guidance for business growth since 1984.
The Illinois SBDC at SIU helps businesses at every stage, whether they are starting, growing or selling. Our Certified Business Advisors are small business experts who provide professional business assistance and resources in business planning, marketing, financing, financial analysis, e-commerce, product development and more.
Intersect Illinois:We bring new jobs, investment and economic prosperity to Illinois through dynamic partnerships and collaborations with companies, universities, organizations and the government to deliver a unified approach to economic development.
Alliance STL:
With a world-class agtech sector, leading research universities and a burgeoning geospatial intelligence ecosystem, St. Louis has the smarts for business.
A bustling support network for tech entrepreneurs? The world’s biggest concentration of plant science PhDs? The nation’s best environment for start-ups? You’ll find them right here.
Be smart about your business. Come to Greater St. Louis, where it’s all about intelligence.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce works closely with the Governor’s Office and members of the General Assembly to develop legislation and initiatives that support the Department’s mission of creating jobs and building economic prosperity in the state. We also post reports that are required by statute or public acts to provide transparency and accountability for the public.
