Contacts for Businesses

The Village is pleased to assist businesses with a variety of topics:

Economic Development

The Economic Development Coordinator Liz Dechant can:

  • Act as a primary Village contact for business owners, property owners and landlords
  • Provide information and resource connections about available properties to open your business
  • Offer resources to help start or grow your business 
  • Refer business owners to relevant services such as permits, zoning, and parking
  • Connect retailers to advertising opportunities 
  • Leads the Village’s annual “Small Business Saturday” events and shopping promotions

Police Department

The Winnetka Police Department’s Business Liaison Officer Cara Huinker is the contact for:

  • Education on crime risk reduction
  • Security surveys for businesses
  • Traffic and parking issues

Code Enforcement

The Village Code Enforcement Officer Danny Vargas is the contact for:

  • Questions or concerns about physical conditions in buildings, including light, heat, leaks, and ventilation.

Additional Resources 

Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce is supporting and encouraging the development and success of local businesses for the benefit of vibrant communities in Winnetka, Northfield, and Glencoe. The Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce is over 350 members strong and growing. The combined membership affords its members more services, a larger presence and a stronger voice in the community. Within each district – Within each district – Hubbard Woods, West Elm, East Elm, Indian Hill, Northfield and Glencoe – there is pride and commitment to providing quality, value, expertise and personalized customer service. View their annual Chamber guide for a list of members and services. 

Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau

Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) is the official marketing organization of the North Shore as certified by the Illinois Office of Tourism. Winnetka is one of eight North Shore communities represented by CNSCVB and is promoted to regional, national, and international visitors and event planners. CNSCVB hosts events and seminars for member businesses throughout the year, and provides exclusive marketing opportunities to those seeking additional sales and promotional exposure.  

Small Business Assistance Centers

  • The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provides small business assistance through Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) located throughout the state. SBDCs provide workshops and one-on-one business consultation; assistance with developing business, management and marketing plans; financial assessment and guidance; in-depth business training and more. The Illinois SBDC also provides specialized services in technology, innovation and entrepreneurial development. 
  • Small Business Development Center at Harper College connects seasoned business advisors to you to help you identify, understand, and overcome the challenges of running a successful business. They provide support for home-based businesses, brick-and-mortar, and established companies.  

  • Women’s Business Development Center provides programs, services, workshops, events, and advocacy to women entrepreneurs to gain economic self-sufficiency through business ownership and expansion. It works to change public policy nationally and locally.