Recent News

iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

July 2, 2024 The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded approximately $51 million from the Tech Hubs Program through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The iFAB consortium, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will receive a Phase 2 Implementation grant to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation, supporting national security, Read more »

Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week Returns for Fifth Year

For Immediate Release March 4, 2024 Contacts: Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director Champaign County EDC carly@champaigncountyedc.org 217-649-2586 Laura Bleill, Director, External Engagement University of Illinois Research Park lwbleill@Illinois.edu 217-417-6671 Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week Returns for Fifth Year CHAMPAIGN, IL – The annual Champaign-Urbana AgTech Week, presented by Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, University of Illinois Research Park, Read more »

Urbana Small Business Microloan Fund Launched to Support Local Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Media Contact: Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director Champaign County Economic Development Corporation carly@champaigncountyedc.org 217-649-2586 Urbana Small Business Microloan Fund Launched to Support Local Businesses Support from City of Urbana, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Justine PETERSEN, and Woodforest National Bank to Help Boost Access to Capital CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL, October 27, 2023 – Read more »

Central Illinois named US Tech Hub for biomanufacturing by Biden-Harris administration

From the press release: President Joe Biden announced Monday that the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing Hub (iFAB) is among 31 designated Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) — recognizing Central Illinois as a globally competitive center for innovation and job creation in biomanufacturing. Led by the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Read more »

Champaign County Launches First-of-its-Kind “Community Job Application”

Media Contacts: Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director Champaign County Economic Development Corporation carly@champaigncountyedc.org 217-649-2586 Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement Visit Champaign County terrir@visitchampaigncounty.org 217-351-4133  Champaign County Launches First-of-its-Kind “Community Job Application” Digital platform makes it easy for potential residents to connect with Champaign County’s employers and community members CHAMPAIGN, IL, April 12, Read more »