Development Digest | July Edition

Written on July 1, 2025.

July 2025

Upcoming Events

Navigating Global Trade Series: Importing Essentials Featuring Lisa Waller, President & Co-Owner of BDG International Inc.

Join the webinar to learn about the essentials of importing, including defining roles, duties, and compliance basics. Tuesday, July 22nd | 10-11 AM CST | Virtual

RSVP

McHenry County Perks

Carbon+ Credits

The McHenry County Conservation Foundation is currently looking for a buyer or buyers for 11,622 Carbon+ Credits. Issued in 2024, these Carbon+ Credits represent 11,622 tons of carbon sequestration and are an opportunity for private-sector carbon or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funders to reduce their carbon footprint while also investing in local conservation. Click here to learn more or contact Shawna Flavell, Executive Director of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation at 815.354.1374.

Building on a Legacy: Walmart’s Open Call 2025 Applications Now Live

Open Call 2025 applications are now open, offering entrepreneurs the chance to pitch Walmart and Sam’s Club buyers with products made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. to have a shot at national distribution.

If you’re a U.S. manufacturer or innovator with a shelf-ready product — or the tech that could help bring more of them to life —submit your manufacturing innovation pitches.

A select group of companies will be invited to participate in this year’s Open Call experience alongside product-based applicants.

Learn more about Open Call

Apply here

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Our next cohort of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition begins July 9th! Learn the ins-and-outs of buying, building, and growing an existing business through 8 weeks of instructor-led sessions. Apply for a scholarship to join the class.

Learn more & apply

ETA Information Session

Curious what our Entrepreneurship Through Aquisition program is all about?

Join our information session on 7.01 to learn about the ETA curriculum, scholarship opportunities, and how this program is designed to support emerging and existing entrepreneurs through business acquisition.

Tuesday, July 1st | 6-7 PM CST | Virtual

RSVP for Information Session

ETA Cohort Graduates Class

Congratulations to the first-ever cohort of the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program!

Last week, these emerging leaders completed an instructor-led 8-week journey, learning the ins-and-outs of buying, operating, and growing a local business right here in McHenry County. We’re proud to celebrate their achievement and excited to see how they’ll shape the future of local entrepreneurship!

View the graduated cohort

Mark Piekos, Executive Director

From the Desk of the Executive Director

How can state funding drive real growth in McHenry County? Learn how new Illinois budget investments, like site readiness grants and manufacturing tax credits, are creating powerful opportunities for local businesses and communities. Read the latest blog from our Executive Director to see how we can turn state-level momentum into local impact.

Investor Spotlight

CMR Benefits Group

CMR Benefits Group fuels McHenry County’s economy by delivering cost-effective, customized benefits and HR solutions that help local employers attract and keep top talent while controlling healthcare costs. By relieving companies of time-consuming plan administration and converting benefits from a cost drain into a competitive asset, they enable businesses to reinvest savings into expansion and job creation across the county.

Home State Bank

Home State Bank has been a pillar of McHenry County since 1915, offering top-tier commercial lending and equipment financing that empowers local businesses to invest in growth and innovation. According to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, Home State Bank has been the #1 Business Lender in McHenry County for 16 consecutive years (for dollars loaned out). Their financial services help sustain economic momentum by enabling companies to expand, create jobs, and reinvest locally.

Innovative Component Sales, Inc.

Innovative Component Sales, Inc. believes in supporting the MCEDC so that more companies can grow and get the benefits that MCEDC provides. Without growing businesses and working to attract new businesses, the County will not have the best environment for people to live and raise a family.

Investing in MCEDC means powering the progress of McHenry County

Your support fuels strategic services, expert insights, and vital regional partnerships that drive economic growth, attract new opportunities, and build a stronger future for our community.