Prospective business owners are invited to learn more about economic development opportunities in downtown DeKalb today by attending an “issues and answers” event.

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and Main Street DeKalb are hosting the event at 1:30 p.m. at 155 N. Third St. in the National Bank and Trust Co. boardroom.

The event will showcase financial incentives for businesses to increase economic development in DeKalb, said Kim Kubiak, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

Main Street DeKalb is a not-for-profit organization working to re-establish downtown DeKalb as the center of the community.

Kubiak said anyone interested in DeKalb’s business development is welcome to attend the event.

“This program will help small- to medium-size businesses discover access to untapped financial assistance and offer other tips about programs that will help their businesses,” Kubiak said.

Prospective business owners and owners looking to expand their existing businesses are encouraged to attend the free, three-hour event, Kubiak said.

The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office and the Northern Illinois Tourism Development Office.

A panel discussion on program incentives for downtown businesses will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Although this is the first “issues and answers” event the chamber will host, Kubiak said similar programs have been offered by the chamber before.

Issues and answers event

What: DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and Main Street DeKalb “issues and answers” event

When: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. today

Where: National Bank and Trust Co. boardroom, 155 N. Third St.

Cost: Free