Expand your business
in Lincoln, Illinois
The Heart of Central Illinois
Big City Access, Small Town Convenience
Who is LEAD?
LEAD (Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development, Inc.) is the brainchild of several Lincoln businesspeople who decided that Lincoln needed an economic development initiative to usher the community into the future. As a private 501 (c) 3, LEAD works with entrepreneurs of all experience levels as they navigate the pressures of business ownership. By offering customized services to meet each client’s needs, LEAD works to fulfill its mission of empowering Lincoln’s economic health & vitality. Through the generosity of our donors, LEAD's services are offered free of charge to local entrepreneurs and those interested in exploring Lincoln’s opportunities.
Grow With LEAD
At LEAD, we believe that entrepreneurs are the true architects of economies. Our vision is to make Lincoln the community of choice, and we're achieving this through economic gardening- a method that puts entrepreneurs at the center of community growth. This focus on entrepreneurship shapes our customized services, designed to help each entrepreneur reach the next level of their business success. This belief in the power of entrepreneurs inspires and motivates us every day.
Why Lincoln?
Lincoln is the county seat of Logan County, located in the heart of Central Illinois. Businesses located in Lincoln can service over 637,000 people within a 45-mile radius. Lincoln’s affordable cost of living allows entrepreneurs to keep their expenses low while exploring their business pursuits. Located on Interstate 55, halfway between St. Louis and Chicago, Lincoln is an Amtrak station and served by Union Pacific and Canadian National rail services. Lincoln residents have easy access to the world with access to three regional airports within an hour’s drive.
Case Studies & Testimonials
Clear Grace Strength is more than a gym—it’s a movement for empowering women through fitness. As Katie continues to grow her business, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right support, strategy, and passion, side hustles can become full-time realities."
Katie Davis, Clear Grace Strength
In 2017, Ethan and his wife Nicole seized the opportunity to buy an existing coffee shop business on Lincoln’s square and christened it “Guest House.” They’ve since built it into a thriving Lincoln landmark by focusing on outstanding quality and customer service.
Ethan Hoinacki, Guest House
This transition required careful planning and negotiation. With the support of LEAD, Melanie examined her business operations, assessed financial feasibility, and structured a deal that aligned with her long-term vision. In September 2023, The Bee opened its new location at 121 S. Kickapoo in Lincoln. The move proved to be transformative
Melanie Welch, The Bee
The Lincoln Way powered by LEAD
Lincoln creatives are working together to tell the world how they explore their entrepreneurial pursuits in Lincoln, Illinois. Please find out how this group works together to usher in an innovative future grounded in our celebrated past, The Lincoln Way.
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission:
Empower Lincoln's economic health and vitality
Our Vision:
Become the community of choice
Our Values:
We express our dedication to Lincoln by making these values central in our business
Trust
- We follow through on our promises.
- We respect all clients, partners, and residents.
- We diligently search for the right solution.
Stewardship
- We utilize community resources sustainably.
- We listen to our clients and car about their needs.
- We connect people and ideas in search of equitable prosperity.
Collaboration
- We strive for mutually beneficial partnerships
- We understand we are better together
- We create our future as a community
Hospitality
- We treat everyone as a potential client.
- We celebrate our small-town roots.
- We ease the burden of our customers.
Optimism
- We focus on what is possible, not what is wrong.
- We celebrate outside the box thinking.
- We believe in Lincoln.