Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program

The Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through its Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment. The program is designed to expand access to entrepreneurship training and small business development resources across Illinois, particularly for populations that have historically faced systemic barriers to economic participation. These include minority groups, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, and youth entrepreneurs. The initiative builds on a prior pilot launched in 2024 and seeks to distribute remaining state-appropriated funds to support new and existing Economic Empowerment Centers statewide. The primary purpose of the program is to establish or strengthen centers that provide comprehensive entrepreneurship education, business advisory services, and technical assistance. Funded centers are expected to deliver culturally competent, community-based programming that supports both startup and existing businesses. Services must include structured cohort-based training, individualized advising, and referrals to financial institutions, educational programs, and business incubators. The program emphasizes a two-pronged model: business technical assistance and formalized education and cohort training, both tailored to the needs of targeted populations. Funding under this opportunity ranges from 250000 to 500000 per award, with a total program allocation of 2500000 and an anticipated 10 awards. The performance period is expected to run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Funds are provided on a reimbursable basis, meaning grantees must first incur eligible expenses and meet programmatic and matching requirements before receiving reimbursement. Allowable costs are limited to personnel and program delivery expenses directly tied to instruction, advising, and support services. Indirect costs are not permitted under this program. A significant requirement of the program is cost sharing. Applicants must provide a 100 percent match of the requested grant amount, with at least 50 percent of the match in cash and the remainder allowed as in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be documented and committed at the time of application, with verification materials such as signed agreements or letters of support included. This requirement ensures that funded organizations have sufficient financial and institutional backing to sustain program delivery. Eligible applicants include career education agencies and nonprofit organizations such as community-based organizations, chambers of commerce, and local development corporations. Applicants must meet strict prequalification requirements through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal, including registration in SAM.gov, possession of a valid FEIN and UEI, and compliance with state and federal eligibility checks. Organizations must also demonstrate governance capacity, including a board of directors and a designated program director, and must be located in areas accessible to target populations. The application process requires submission through an online Smartsheet form and includes a comprehensive package of materials such as a uniform grant application, detailed budget, disclosures, organizational documents, and program-specific narratives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and evaluated competitively using a 100-point scoring system that assesses need, organizational capacity, and quality of the proposed program. Successful applicants must meet ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly performance and financial reports, and are subject to monitoring and audit. For additional guidance, applicants may attend an optional technical assistance session. The program contact is Jael Olivares at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, who can provide support throughout the application process.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate local economic need, secured matching funds, and strong partnerships with education and community institutions; prioritize culturally competent programming and clear training plans aligned with target populations