Homeland Security Market Development Bureau (HSMD) - Governor Blagojevich created HSMD at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to make Illinois a national center for homeland security innovation, commercialization, and job growth. HSMD offers a series of programs and services designed to help homeland security companies grow and locate in Illinois. Those programs include the Homeland Security Innovative Product Grant Program, the nation's only state-funded homeland security product commercialization grant; the Homeland Security Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Northwestern University; the Homeland Security Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the College of DuPage; and the Homeland Security Research Program at Western Illinois University. In less than 2 years of operation, HSMD has leveraged a public investment of over $5 million in new homeland security products, services and companies in Illinois.
Contact: Michael Brody, Assistant Deputy Director, HSMD 312-814-8764
Homeland Security Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (HSIEC) – HSIEC assists entrepreneurs and high-growth, small businesses with the development and sales of products and services that improve homeland security and defense and impact dual-benefit commercial industries by providing one-on-one business consulting, market intelligence, and access to capital resources. HSIEC devotes special attention to building resilient transportation systems, logistics networks, and critical infrastructure that will safeguard the United States, its people, and its economy. HSIEC delivers specialized business development assistance in homeland security as part of the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network through a joint effort between Northwestern University and HSMD. HSIEC cooperates and collaborates with ECs, ITECs, SBDCs, and PTACs throughout Illinois to grow the homeland security industrial base and create jobs.
Homeland Security Procurement Technical Assistance Center (HS PTAC) – HS PTAC offers specialized business development services to companies seeking to conduct business with the public sector at the federal, state or local level. HS PTAC is focused exclusively on homeland security products and services, which provides your business with the extra attention you need to do business in this important and fast changing industry. HS PTAC is operated by the College of DuPage with support from the Homeland Security Market Development Bureau (HSMD) within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Contact: Rita Hatcher-Haake, Director 630-942-2616 .
Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP) – HSRP, based in the Department of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration of Western Illinois University (WIU), undertakes various activities, including: research relating to homeland security companies, including contribution to an online database of Illinois-based homeland security firms; organization and participation in seminars and forums on homeland security issues; and market research on homeland security-related technologies, products, and services. The publication of homeland security-related analyses, media outreach, and an internship program are other facets of HSRP. Additionally, HSRP is playing an integral role in the creation of a Certificate and Minor in Homeland Security at WIU.
Contact: Dean C. Alexander, Assistant Professor – Homeland Security, LEJA, WIU 309-298-2120