Services for Businesses
Call Liz Dechant, Economic Development Coordinator at 847-716-3528 or email for assistance with business services.
Available Properties
Find a commercial property for rent or for sale on the Village’s Available Properties webpage.
Advertising & Marketing
The Village will share news about a sale, event or business anniversary on our social media pages and email newsletters. If you are a Winnetka business, send us high resolution images and 1-2 sentences about your good news for the Village to share. We encourage businesses to collaborate on joint promotions and advertising efforts, and offer funding assistance for shared campaigns. Past projects include print ads in Modern Luxury magazine with the Hubbard Woods Design District. Follow the Village on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Liz Dechant at 847-716-3528 to learn more about advertising and marketing opportunities for your business.
Business Directory & Registration
The Village maintains a business registry list and Business Directory. Business registration ensures that the Village has accurate information about the local business community and ensures that public safety officials have accurate contact information for commercial tenants in the event of emergencies. Please fill out our Business Registration form (PDF) and email it to the Economic Development Coordinator.
Distinctly Winnetka Email Newsletter
Sign up for the Village’s biweekly email newsletter sharing economic development news and resources, business openings, and Village information that is impacting your business.
Energy Efficiency Rebates & Financing
Rebates on eligible commercial energy efficient lighting and equipment projects are available through a program supported by the Village of Winnetka and the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA). Contact the Water and Electric Department at 847-716-3558 to learn more about these programs. Finance your project through Cook County’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program which provides low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and resiliency projects in commercial buildings. Contact Cook County by emailing their program manager.
Event Sponsorship Requests
The Village offers donations of in-kind services and monetary sponsorships for business special events that benefit the community and engage local businesses. To determine if you qualify, review the policy (PDF) then fill out the application (PDF). The Village will review applications at monthly meetings and will notify applicants.
Outdoor Dining and Sidewalk Seating
Businesses who intend to offer outdoor seating on the public sidewalk may do so between April and November with an Outdoor Seating Area Permit. To apply, submit a completed permit application, a Certificate of Insurance, and drawing of the table and chair placement. View an outdoor dining safety guide for Fall and Winter, produced by the Winnetka Fire Department. View a safety guide for dining green houses, produced by the Winnetka Fire Department.
Security
The Winnetka Police Department has assigned a Business Resource Liaison dedicated to supporting businesses and addressing their concerns, including traffic and parking issues, providing security assessments and crime reduction advice; providing education and resources on topical concerns; and sending merchant alerts when crimes occur. The Winnetka Police Department created a tip sheet for businesses with helpful information to keep your business safe. They host Business Engagement meetings on an as-needed basis to share information with local businesses and property owners. Contact Officer Cara Huinker to discuss any law-enforcement or security-related concerns you may have, or sign up for a security audit by calling 847-716-3414. Always call 911 in an emergency.
Smart 911 and Winnetka Alerts
Sign up for text alerts for times when emergency conditions exist in the Village and set up a profile available to 911 dispatchers to give them information to enable a faster response in the event of an emergency.
Special Event Permits
If you are planning to host a special event that requires closing a public street or sidewalk, or requires Village resources, you must obtain a special event permit from the Winnetka Police Department. To apply, submit a completed application and $35 application fee, a Certificate of Insurance, and an “Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement.” Applications should be submitted at least 15 days prior to the event. For questions about hosting a special event, contact Keri Kaup, Administrative Services Manager at the Winnetka Police Department at 847-716-3440 or by email.