Enterprise Zones

Overview

Established under the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act of 1982 and enhanced in 2013, the Enterprise Zone Program is designed to encourage economic growth and revitalize neighborhoods in communities across the state. The program combines state and local tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and enhanced government services to make development easier and more rewarding.

What is an Enterprise Zone?

An Enterprise Zone is a designated geographic area created to promote business investment and job creation in economically challenged regions. Mt. Vernon’s Enterprise Zone covers approximately eleven square miles, strategically encompassing our major commercial and industrial corridors. This area offers a powerful advantage for businesses looking to expand or relocate in Southern Illinois.

Click on the map below to view Mt. Vernon’s Enterprise Zone on the Illinois DCEO GIS system.

Enterprise Zone Benefits

Businesses that locate or expand within the Mt. Vernon Enterprise Zone can qualify for valuable incentives designed to reduce costs and encourage reinvestment, including:

• Exemption from the retailers’ occupation tax on building materials.
• State sales tax exemptions on qualifying manufacturing or pollution control equipment.
• Utility tax exemptions for electricity and natural gas.
• Telecommunications tax and ICC administrative fee exemptions.
• Enterprise Zone Construction Jobs Tax Credit for eligible projects.

These incentives are paired with local support and personalized guidance, helping business owners make the most of every available opportunity.

How to Apply

Applying for Enterprise Zone benefits is simple. Submit your Enterprise Zone Application along with your Building Permit application to the City of Mt. Vernon.

Contractors applying for sales tax exemption on construction materials should use this form.

For assistance or additional details, please contact:
Building Inspection Department – (618) 242-6830
Zone Administrator – (618) 242-6802

Partner With Mt. Vernon

In Mt. Vernon, opportunity meets advantage. Our Enterprise Zone is more than a designation — it’s a partnership designed to help your business succeed. With prime interstate access, robust infrastructure, and a community that values progress, Mt. Vernon provides everything you need to grow and thrive.

Whether you’re breaking ground on a new facility or expanding your operations, our team is ready to help you navigate incentives and make the most of your investment.

Discover how doing business in Mt. Vernon can take your project further.