Peoria-based web startup DevBright launched an online tool last week that aims to streamline government permitting. The City of Peoria is expected to implement the software next month and other cities are expected to follow.
The e-permitting software GovPermit puts paperwork, like liquor licenses and building permits, online. It also offers those applications in different languages, for non-native English speakers.
The City of Peoria is the company’s first customer, expected to spend 12-thousand dollars annually to license the product on its website. DevBright’s founders say, it won’t be the last.
Because Illinois’ governor Bruce Rauner is a fan. Rauner met the company founders in May, during a stop in Peoria.
“We received a phone call he would be showing up the day before and it just so happens that a product we were working on GovPermit, was in a state where we could show it to him, so it was just pure happenstance that he happened to be here and show it to him,” DevBright Co-Founder Matthew Schachette said.
The software aligns with Rauner’s calls to make Illinois more business-friendly by eliminating red tape and excess government.
Scachette says it hopes to help the business climate in cities across Illinois, but it can’t fix all of the state’s woes.
“I don’t think it will help create new business, but it will ensure that when you do have those folks that are acting on their dreams, trying to start businesses, starting a second location that it’s much easier and they don't get frustrated with the process and possibly quit,” Scachette said.
GovPermit launched Friday for local municipalities to purchase and license. DevBright says major metro cities like Seattle have expressed interest. They’re still waiting to hear back from the Governor.