Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering funding through the Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Program to support the establishment and expansion of centers that provide entrepreneurial training and business development services. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment and is designed to strengthen economic participation among historically underserved populations. This initiative builds on a pilot launched in 2024 and aims to continue expanding access to business resources across Illinois communities that face systemic barriers to economic opportunity. The primary purpose of the program is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to start or grow businesses. Funded centers are required to deliver structured training programs and technical assistance that cover all aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, financial literacy, marketing, and regulatory compliance. The program places particular emphasis on serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, very small businesses, and entrepreneurs from targeted populations such as minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, and youth entrepreneurs. Funding will support operational and instructional costs directly tied to program delivery, including personnel such as program directors, instructors, and support staff. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning grantees must first incur eligible expenses and meet programmatic milestones before receiving payment. Indirect costs are not allowed under this program. The period of performance is expected to run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Award amounts range from 250000 to 500000, with approximately ten awards anticipated from a total funding pool of 2500000. A significant requirement of this opportunity is the mandatory cost sharing component. Applicants must provide a 100 percent match to the grant amount, with at least half of that match in cash and the remainder allowable as in-kind contributions. All matching funds must be clearly documented and committed at the time of application. This requirement reflects the program’s intent to leverage additional resources and ensure strong local investment in each center. Eligible applicants include career education agencies and nonprofit organizations such as chambers of commerce, community-based organizations, and local development corporations. Applicants must meet several structural and administrative requirements, including having a designated program director, a governing board, and appropriate organizational registration and compliance credentials. Applications must be submitted through an online form and include a full package of required documents such as a uniform application, budget, disclosures, and supporting materials demonstrating organizational capacity and partnerships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline, and submissions are reviewed as they are received. Proposals undergo a multi-phase review process, including initial compliance screening and a merit-based evaluation using criteria such as organizational capacity, program quality, and demonstrated need. Successful applicants must achieve a minimum score threshold and may be selected based on geographic distribution considerations. A technical assistance session is offered but not required, and applicants may contact the program manager via email for guidance. Overall, the program represents a strategic effort by the State of Illinois to foster inclusive economic growth by supporting community-based entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Ensure strong documentation of matching funds and partnerships; demonstrate experience serving targeted populations; align proposal with DEI and local economic need; provide clear training and service delivery plans