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.

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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.

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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. 

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Case Studies & Testimonials

“Evita is fantastic. Even when I am having a bad day, she boosts my my energy levels."

Joanna Smith, Los Angeles

“I've tried so many different types of training. Evita's classes are the best ones yet.” 

Madelaine Taylor, Paris

“I have never met a trainer as inspiring and fierce as Evita. I love her workouts!”

Jane Faber, New York

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.

Explore 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.