Guide for Businesses — City of Red Bud, Illinois
Welcome to Red Bud — where small-town ease meets big-city access. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding production, or relocating for strategic advantage, our community, infrastructure, and incentives make it simple to build, grow, and thrive.
Why Red Bud
Strategic Location & Multi-Modal Access
At the crossroads of Illinois Highways 3, 154, and 159 — with swift access to the St. Louis metro — Red Bud puts your suppliers, customers, and workforce within easy reach. Kaskaskia River Regional Port District Dock #2 connects you to global markets via barge on the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers.
Skilled Workforce Pipeline
Tap into a steady stream of talent from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Carbondale, plus manufacturing and healthcare programs at Southwestern Illinois College’s Red Bud campus. Our region’s work ethic is second to none.
Cost Advantage
Lower cost of living than the St. Louis metro, Illinois and Missouri state averages, and the national average helps you attract and retain talent while controlling operating costs.
Build Here: Red Bud Business Park (RBBP)
Ready-to-build Sites
- Total area: 50.58 acres
- Lots available: 26 (typ. 1–4 acres), zoned light industrial/commercial
- Phasing: Fall 2025 (15.55 acres/11 lots); Spring 2026 (11.19 acres/6 lots); Remaining (13.92 acres/9 lots)
- Roads: 44' back-of-curb to back-of-curb
- Fiber internet available throughout
- Lots can be combined to match your footprint and future growth.
- City-Owned, Reliable Utilities
City-Owned, Reliable Utilities
- Electric: City-generated; 3-phase 12,470 V circuit at west edge; service tailored to load requirements
- Gas: 4" PE at 15 psi
- Water: 10" PVC main with 1" services to each lot
- Sewer: 8" PVC sanitary main; laterals stubbed to lots
- Internet: Fiber
Additional service can be considered based on business needs.
Incentives & Programs
Red Bud layers local tools with State of Illinois DCEO programs to help you launch and expand.
- Monroe–Randolph County Enterprise Zone
Qualifying parcels—including RBBP—may purchase building materials less sales tax with a zone certificate. - Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
Low-interest gap financing for projects over $50,000, tied to full-time job creation/retention. - Property Tax Abatement
City portion of property tax may be abated for facility expansions; amount and length consider project spend and jobs created/retained. - Sales Tax Rebate Incentive
Earn a rebate on new sales tax generated post-expansion (¼ of 1%); duration based on eligible project costs. - Façade Grant Program
Grants that boost curb appeal and beautification for properties within city limits.
Tip: Eligibility varies by program. The City will help you structure the optimal incentive mix for your project.
Community Advantages That Support Business
community supports
Healthcare: Red Bud Regional Hospital/Deaconess Illinois (ER, urgent care, respiratory & specialty clinics)
Education: SWIC–Red Bud campus; Red Bud High School; three elementary schools (1 public, 2 private); SIUE & SIUC within ~1 hour
Quality of Life: Library, YMCA, parks, pool, splash pad, golf course, and more—amenities that help recruit and retain teams.
Key Sectors & Roles
Regional strengths include production, logistics, maintenance, machining/fabrication, nursing and allied health, office/admin support, software, engineering, and operations leadership—ideal for light industrial, logistics, and professional services expansions.
How to Get Started
1. Connect with City
Share your timeline, facility specs, utility loads, and workforce needs. We’ll outline sites, approvals, and incentives.
2. Evaluate Sites in RBBP
Choose a single lot or combine parcels to match your current and future footprints. Confirm utility capacity and any customizations.
3. Assemble Your Incentive Package
The City will help determine eligibility across Enterprise Zone benefits, RLF/Micro-Loan, tax abatement, sales tax rebate, and façade grants.
4. Permitting & Infrastructure Readiness
Align construction schedules with road access and utility tie-ins (electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber).
5. Hire & Launch
Tap into local/regional education partners and workforce pipelines to staff up efficiently.
Additional Services & Programs
Red Bud collaborates with regional economic development organizations and agencies to streamline site selection, financing, and workforce support for employers.
