Hancock County Economic Development

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Carthage, IL
Hancock County Economic Development

The mission of Hancock County Economic Development is to enhance the economic vitality of Hancock County, Illinois.

For those who value a rural Midwest life, Hancock County, Illinois, located on the Mississippi River in the heart of the rural Midwest, is distinguished by strong local leadership and community-led efforts so all may develop and thrive in our caring, vibrant communities. Hancock County Economic Development is a not-for-profit, public corporation with investors from the public and private sectors w

orking to make Hancock County, Illinois, a place of prosperity. As a prospective place to live, work or start a business, Hancock County, Illinois, has much to offer. There are 73 miles of railroad in Hancock County and our western border is 44 miles of Mississippi riverfront with locations ripe for development. If you couple that with the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway running through our county and the short distance to five cities with a variety of manufacturers (Burlington, IA; Fort Madison, IA; Keokuk, IA; Macomb, IL; and Quincy, IL), you’ll find that Hancock County, Illinois, has great transportation potential. Whether it’s local foods movements or expanding into online commerce, the communities of Hancock County, Illinois, are seeking new ways to tap into our valued traditions of self-reliance, agriculture, and ingenuity. It is the goal of Hancock County Economic Development to cultivate the emerging and existing businesses in these communities and, wherever possible, connect them together in county-wide endeavors to create jobs and opportunities for everyone.

09/04/2026

Community Fridays 🎉

It’s time to celebrate what’s happening right here in our community! 💙
Join us for Community Fridays, where we’ll highlight local events, activities, and the people bringing our community together.

THIS WEEKEND:

Nauvoo Grape Festival
September 4th-6th
Nauvoo State Park
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EqpoNG8xk/

•Rollin up the River Car Cruise in Warsaw!
September 4th
4PM-Dark

📅 Have an event coming up? Drop the details in the comments or send us a message so we can help spread the word!
Let’s get out, get involved, and support our local community. 🙌

09/02/2026

Free Business Support for Hancock County Entrepreneurs!

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can access FREE professional assistance through the Illinois DCEO SSBCI Technical Assistance Program.

Support includes:

•Financing and loan application preparation
•Capital access guidance
•Legal and accounting assistance
•Financial advisory services
•Help preparing for federal loan programs

DCEO has partnered with Hunzinger & Co. and TEC Services Consulting to provide these services locally.

Interested? Complete the Hunzinger & Co. SSBCI TA intake form to get started and learn about eligibility and available services.

https://ssbci.tecsinc.com/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUELOVjbGNrBQQs1nBkb2YBZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe0YpCb-7_hKp6dUDksscj_tEAeFdEMxFVbS55DwnM3sM4IyxMtS5l8l91FiA_aem_iuE47YOl1TzKQq-c5MGOCg

09/01/2026

The rootEd Alliance is helping students across Hancock County and West Central Illinois plan for life after high school. Southeastern participated in it last Spring. Through individualized college and career advising, students explore careers, financial aid, and post-graduation options—including college, trades, apprenticeships, military service, or the workforce. The program currently serves Southeastern, Payson Seymour, Unity, and Griggsville-Perry, with expansion to other area schools planned this fall.

👉 Click here to learn more: https://www.gredf.org/illinois-first-rooted-partnership-helps-students-create-a-plan-for-life-after-high-school/

08/28/2026

📣COMMUNITY FRIDAY!

🏘Hancock County is home to lots of great community events happening throughout the county! Check out event details and event pages here each week on “Community Friday”! Do you know of a community event and don't see it listed? Post it in the comments!

🎬🍿Fortress Bank's 2nd Annual Summer Movie In The Park.
August 29th
Hamilton City Park
6:30PM
https://facebook.com/events/s/2nd-annual-summer-movie-in-the/2080666049514083/

🚜Plymouth Old Settlers
August 28th-30th
Plymouth
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GUMrnt7Zp/

08/26/2026

Business Resources:

HCED Sustaining Member, First Bankers Trust, is bringing back “The Vault” this September! First Bankers will have an exciting lineup of educational sessions designed to provide valuable insights and practical resources for local business owners, farmers, and community leaders. Learn more about all the upcoming series below!

The first session, Business and Farm Succession Planning, will take place Wednesday, September 2nd, from 11:30AM-1PM in the second-floor Training Room at First Bankers Trust at 12th & Broadway in Quincy. Attendees will hear from a panel of local experts addressing key considerations for planning the future of a business or farm, and provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Lunch will be provided, plus if you are unable to attend in person, there is a virtual option available. Be sure to save the date and RSVP today!

08/24/2026

Hancock County Economic Development is proud to highlight Associate Member, Hancock County Farm Bureau!

Their mission is simple: “To improve the economic well-being of agriculture and enrich the quality of farm family life.”

HCFB Manager, Richlyn Hoener, says they are putting that mission into action through their Annual Golf Outing on August 28th, benefiting Ag in the Classroom and helping provide valuable agricultural education opportunities for local students.

As harvest season arrives, you’ll also find Farm Bureau out at grain elevators throughout Hancock County, serving meals and showing appreciation for our local farmers who work hard to keep agriculture thriving.

And through their partnerships with Country Financial, Prairie Farms, and West Central FS, the Farm Bureau continues to work together to serve all members of our county.

Visit the Hancock County Farm Bureau website:
https://hancockcountyfarmbureau.com/

or their page. Both are great resources of information for HCFB events, membership benefits, scholarships, and Ag in the Classroom!

Thank you, Hancock County Farm Bureau, for supporting agriculture, investing in education, and strengthening the economy in the communities we call home!

08/20/2026

Our members had a special visit from Madison Peters and Kyle Moore on Tuesday!
They dropped by Membership Brochures to kick off our membership drive. If you're a current HCED member, be sure to check your mailboxes for your brochure!

08/17/2026

We are excited to announce a partnership with the Great River Economic Development Foundation! This partnership will expand economic development services and connect Hancock County to a broader regional network.

This collaboration will help us:
• Support and grow existing businesses
• Develop workforce solutions tailored to local industry
• Connect students and employers through regional programs
• Pursue funding for Hancock County priorities
• Create new opportunities for investment and growth

To support our expansion, we are hiring a Regional Director of Workforce Development & Hancock County Business Development, dedicated to supporting local businesses, workforce solutions, and business retention and expansion.

LINK: https://www.gredf.org/great-river-economic-development-foundation-and-hancock-county-economic-development-announce-regional-partnership-to-strengthen-economic-growth-in-hancock-county/

Address

2005 East Highway 136
Carthage, IL
62321

Telephone

+12174408909

Website

http://www.growhancock.com/

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