Illinois Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides funding to local workforce organizations in Illinois to enhance job quality and training in key industries like healthcare and manufacturing, ultimately benefiting workers and employers alike.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to individual artists in Illinois to support their professional development and enhance community engagement through their creative practices.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development (DPD) offers grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to strengthen local business corridors and enhance neighborhood vitality, particularly through the Chicago Recovery Plan. The program aims to invest in catalytic developments that build upon DPD's existing investments, supporting a resilient and thriving urban environment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include community developers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and property owners within Chicago. While applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible, priority is given to projects located in historically disinvested areas or those with limited private investment. The impact goals are to foster economic growth, enhance community safety initiatives, and leverage local talents, capacities, and institutions to contribute to neighborhood strength. The program prioritizes capital improvement projects, including pre-development, construction, or renovation costs. Mixed-use projects are eligible, though residential-only developments are not. A key focus is on catalytic projects that demonstrate a strong local impact and have clear momentum, with an expectation to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. Site control is preferred but not strictly required. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of vital community projects, increased economic activity in targeted areas, and the creation of more vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the scale of investment leveraged, and the tangible improvements in business corridors and community infrastructure. The city's strategic priority is to address historical disinvestment and ensure equitable development across Chicago, utilizing funding sources such as the Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants), Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants), and Tax Increment Financing to achieve these goals.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Illinois-based organizations that assist small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with essential services like business planning, financial analysis, and access to capital, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

This funding program provides financial support to improve tourism attractions and events in Illinois, helping local economies thrive by increasing visitor engagement.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program is designed to foster the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses, directly aligning with the broader goals of the Energy Transition Act, also known as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program's mission is rooted in strengthening Illinois's clean energy sector by empowering small and emerging businesses to participate more fully in the clean energy economy, which is a key strategic priority for the state in transitioning towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future. The target beneficiaries of the program are clean energy contractor businesses, particularly focusing on those who can benefit from enhanced capacity building. The program aims to help these businesses grow their operations and secure opportunities within the clean energy market. Key impact goals include increasing the number of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and other relevant certified vendors, improving their ability to bid on state and private business opportunities, and connecting them with vital financial and programmatic support. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted support to these contractors, the state can accelerate the adoption of clean energy and create a more inclusive and robust clean energy workforce. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include providing one-on-one business coaching tailored to participant needs, offering operational support grants for upfront project and pre-development costs (not exceeding $1,000,000 annually per grant), and delivering technical assistance and training. A significant focus is also placed on assisting businesses in developing comprehensive 5-year business strategies, facilitating connections to financial development assistance like zero-interest and low-interest loans from the Climate Bank, and integrating them into established programs such as the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program and Solar for All Programs. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participant contractors successfully applying for State and private business opportunities, achieving various certifications, and preparing competitive bids for Requests for Proposals. The program anticipates participants becoming listed in relevant directories and databases, actively connecting with and participating in state-sponsored clean energy initiatives, and accessing financial development assistance. Performance will be measured through metrics reviewed monthly during business coaching sessions, aimed at achieving specific growth goals. Ultimately, the program seeks to build the overall capacity of clean energy contractor businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development within the clean energy sector across Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois.

Research and input from economic development experts indicate that there is a shortage of large sites that can be successfully developed in the desired 1-2year time frame. DCEO intends to offer incentives to encourage infrastructure investment in large industrial sites, in order to make such sites viable alternatives for large economic development projects. A grant provided through this opportunity will support site readiness planning activities and infrastructure investments needed to prepare industrial property to support investment to Winnebago County and new job opportunities in the industrial sector. Mandatory requirements: • Minimum developable acreage: 200 • Eligible entities: Government entity located in Winnebago County that has a documented agreement with a private entity that meets the following requirements: o Reflects that the applicant has authority to perform work on at least 200 contiguous acres of land in Winnebago County o Reflects that the private entity has an executed REV agreement o Reflects that the applicant intends to support the private entity's REV agreement through the project described in the applicant’s application • Current zoning: Industrial

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides $40,000 to small businesses in Springfield, Illinois, that have suffered revenue losses due to construction disruptions near the Capitol Complex.

This program provides financial support and business development resources to creative entrepreneurs in Illinois and Indiana, helping them grow and sustain their businesses through education and coaching.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist electric vehicle component manufacturers in McLean County, Illinois, with capital improvements and equipment purchases to expand their operations and create jobs.

This grant provides financial support and educational resources to diverse-led businesses in Illinois, helping them grow and create new jobs.

The City of Evanston's "Sustain Evanston" Incentive Program is a funding tool designed to empower small business owners to implement sustainability measures. This initiative directly aligns with the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan, serving the foundational mission of fostering a more sustainable community. By offering financial assistance, the program aims to reduce operating costs for businesses while simultaneously enhancing their service to customers through environmentally friendly practices. This strategic alignment underscores the city's commitment to both economic vitality and ecological responsibility. The primary beneficiaries of this program include commercial property owners, tenants of commercial buildings, business districts, and coalitions of businesses within the City of Evanston. The impact goals are centered on improving the environmental footprint of local businesses, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and encouraging eco-conscious operations. Through these efforts, the program seeks to create a more resilient and environmentally sound local economy, benefiting both businesses and residents. The program prioritizes a broad range of sustainability measures, categorized into capital projects, equipment, services, and education materials. Key focuses include the adoption of heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure, solar PV, waste collection enclosures, green infrastructure like green roofs, and energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation and windows. Equipment priorities involve reusable containers, energy-efficient lighting, and appliances. Services like composting, recycling, energy/water benchmarking, and consulting are also emphasized, alongside educational signage and labels. These priorities reflect a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various facets of business operations. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in the operational costs for participating businesses due to increased energy efficiency and waste reduction. Measurable results will likely involve the number of businesses implementing sustainable upgrades, the amount of energy saved, the volume of waste diverted from landfills, and the expansion of green infrastructure within the city. The program's strategic approach is to incentivize tangible changes that collectively contribute to the City’s broader Climate Action & Resilience Plan, acting as a catalyst for widespread sustainable practices within the business community. This aligns with a theory of change where financial incentives drive behavioral and infrastructure changes, leading to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

"TANF Job Placement with Retention Providers primarily target current TANF clients. While clients are searching for unsubsidized employment, the Provider is responsible for assuring that they are engaged in work and training activities and hours that are consistent with Federal guidelines. Additionally, the Provider is responsible for developing, constructing and administering programs in a manner that will result in a client compliance level of at least 75%. When determining whether or not a Provider has met the 75% compliance standards, consideration will be given to two factors: 1) clients who meet compliance according to Attendance and Activity Reports submitted by the Provider; and 2) by documentation of immediate and appropriate action initiated by the Provider for clients who fail to comply with assigned activities and hours. Providers earn administrative payments for unsubsidized placements. In order for a placement to qualify the Provider for administrative payment, the client must earn at least minimum wage, work at least 30 hours per week, or less than 30 hours per week with wages of $10.00 per hour or more, resulting in the cancellation of the TANF case due to income, and meet the retention period of 30, 60, 90, 120 days. (See Attachment Cover Sheet Addendum for specific qualifications). TANF Job Placement with Retention programs are operated by the Department for persons receiving TANF. Customers participate in a variety of activities that are countable in the federal participation rate while searching for unsubsidized employment. Activities are highly structured, monitored and documented for meeting accountability requirements. Those activities include: • Work Experience • Community Service • Unsubsidized Employment • Subsidized Employment • Vocational Education Training • Job Search and Job Readiness Activities • Job Skills Training and • Education Directly Related to Employment. The client will continue to participate in these activities until unsubsidized employment is obtained, or until it is determined that participation is no longer an appropriate activity for the client. The Provider is expected to serve and engage customers in countable TANF activities each month during the contract period.

The Small Business and Not-For-Profit Support Grant Program, initiated by the City of Chicago and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits. This program is designed to help these entities recover from economic losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Chicago, through its Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), is seeking a qualified organization to administer this $21.5 million grant program. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are eligible small businesses and nonprofits located within Chicago. The impact goals are centered around stabilizing their operations, supporting their workforce, and mitigating the long-term economic effects of the pandemic. By providing these funds, the program intends to foster economic resilience within the local business and nonprofit ecosystem. The program's priorities and focus are clearly on economic recovery and stability for the most vulnerable sectors affected by the pandemic. The selection of an administering organization will be based on their understanding of the city contractor's needs, the local small business and nonprofit landscape, and the City of Chicago's processes, ensuring efficient and effective distribution of funds. Expected outcomes include a stabilized small business sector and a stronger nonprofit presence in Chicago, both equipped to navigate future economic challenges. Measurable results would likely involve tracking the number of businesses and nonprofits served, jobs retained or created, and the overall economic recovery indicators within the city. While the specific foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed here, the underlying theory is that direct financial support to these entities will lead to broader economic stability and community well-being.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program. This program is designed to help manufacturing companies maintain their operational presence within Illinois. Its core mission is to encourage businesses to invest in their workforce, facilities, equipment, technologies, and infrastructure, thereby securing existing jobs and fostering economic stability in the state. The program is supported through the Enterprise Fund, administered by DCEO, which typically funds a broad range of economic development projects. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are private for-profit business entities that operate a major manufacturing complex in Bushnell, Illinois, specifically within McDonough County. These companies must have less than 1,000 employees and extensive experience in tool manufacturing. A key eligibility criterion is the requirement to have acquired a tool manufacturing firm in McDonough County with a minimum of 100 full-time equivalent employees. The grant's impact goal is to retain these companies' manufacturing campuses at operating production levels that support at least 100 employees at the Bushnell site. The program prioritizes job retention in Illinois through various investments. Eligible expenses encompass employee payroll for existing employees (including backpay incurred from May 14, 2024), invoices for services, training expenses for existing employees, and significant capital improvements. These improvements include refurbishment or replacement of machinery, equipment, and tooling (e.g., forging hammers, Swiss lathes), facility repairs (e.g., roof repair, electrical upgrades), productivity and innovation initiatives (e.g., robotics reprogramming, induction heat furnaces), and the replenishment of inventory to maintain standard stocking levels for daily production. The expected outcome of the Manufacturing Retention Grant Program is the successful retention of manufacturing operations and a minimum employment level of 100 employees at the Bushnell site. Measurable results will be directly tied to the utilization of the $5,000,000 total funding, with a performance period spanning from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2026. The DCEO's strategic priority, as evidenced by this program, is to safeguard manufacturing jobs and foster a robust economic environment within Illinois, aligning with a theory of change that posits direct investment in established manufacturing entities will lead to sustained employment and economic growth.

This grant provides funding to arts organizations in Chicago and Cook County to help them adapt and innovate their operations and practices, with a focus on supporting BIPOC-led initiatives and fostering long-term sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that host tourism-related events in Woodstock, helping to attract overnight visitors and boost the local economy.