DCEO-RURAL MICROBUSINESS LOANS

Amends the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Creates the Rural Microbusiness Loan Program to provide $250,000 per fiscal year in loans for the establishment or support of businesses that: (i) employ 5 or fewer employees; (ii) are located in rural counties with a population of 100,000 or less; and (iii) are based on the production, processing, or marketing of agricultural products, forest products, cottage and craft products, or tourism. Limits the total amount of loans made to any borrower to $25,000 per fiscal year. Requires the Department to adopt rules concerning the administration of the program and to create a competitive application procedure. Requires a borrower to provide a certain portion of the financing for the project. Limits the term of the loan to no more than 5 years. Contains provisions concerning the interest rate, security required for the loan, and other terms. Provides that all interest generated by the loans shall be deposited into the Rural Microbusiness Loan Program Administrative Fund, a special fund in the State treasury, for the purpose of paying expenses related to the administration of the Rural Microbusiness Loan Program. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Rural Microbusiness Loan Program Administrative Fund. Effective immediately.