ETIP Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant

The ETIP Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is a state-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the workforce capabilities of Illinois-based companies through subsidized job training. Launched under the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP), the grant supports single-company applicants by covering up to 50% of eligible training costs for full-time employees. Emphasizing workforce advancement and economic competitiveness, the grant prioritizes companies operating in strategic sectors defined in the 2024 Illinois Economic Plan, such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Microelectronics, Clean Energy Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Ag Tech, and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. The program offers financial assistance to companies to facilitate job-linked training programs that develop employees' technical skills, introduce new technologies, support product line expansions, and respond to regulatory requirements. The eligible training methods include in-person instruction, virtual classrooms, e-learning platforms, and structured on-the-job training. However, the program explicitly excludes certain activities such as tuition reimbursement for academic degrees, soft skills training, seminars without certification, and consulting fees. Only full-time Illinois-based employees are eligible for the training activities reimbursed under this grant. Applicants must have an active Tier II REV, EDGE, or MICRO program agreement and must not primarily engage in education or training services. Additionally, all entities must be registered and in good standing with the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal and meet other federal and state compliance requirements, including SAM.gov registration and tax standing. Entities like nonprofits, government units, retail services, and restaurants are ineligible. The application process requires submission of several forms including the Uniform Grant Application, Budget Template, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, and ETIP-specific training schedules. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis via Smartsheet, and there is no formal due date. Although no technical assistance sessions are offered, applicants are encouraged to review submission instructions carefully due to document upload limits. Proposals will be evaluated based on need, capacity, and quality, with special consideration for companies located in underserved or enterprise zones and those demonstrating new capital investment and job creation. The grant awards are expected to start by December 15, 2025, and will run through August 31, 2027. The program includes mandatory performance and financial reporting, and all expenses must occur within the award term. The Department retains the right to modify or deny awards based on application merit and compliance.

Align training with targeted sectors or Illinois Economic Plan priorities to improve scoring; include specific, measurable objectives; ensure budget detail matches narrative.