Illinois State Director
Colleen Callahan

USDA Rural Development in Illinois operates federal loan programs designed to strengthen rural businesses, finance new and improved rural housing, develop community facilities and support development of water and waste disposal systems, telecommunications and utilities that serve people in rural Illinois through guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.

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Website Welcome

Our website reflects the more than 40 programs that offer financial assistance to bring positive change to our rural areas throughout Illinois. 

What our website does not reflect is the sincere dedication that each of our nearly 125 employees brings to every potential project. You will experience that only after you contact any one of us who hopes to work with you

We are like the Small Business Administration (SBA)...only exclusively for rural communities. 

It didn't take me long to realize, after assuming my responsibilities, that "I go to work everyday to work with people, who come to work everyday, to help people. Rural Development not only helps individuals, but many of our programs allow us to improve entire communities. 

So, thank you for visiting our website. I encourage you now to "travel through the tabs." Then contact us so that we can begin the journey of becoming partners in increasing economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for Illinois rural residents.

Rurally,
Colleen Callahan