Illinois Business and Commerce Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for Business Resiliency program funded by the federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds through the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Cook County (IL), DuPage County (IL), Kane County (IL), Lake County (IL), Madison County (IL), McHenry County (IL), Saint Clair County (IL), Will County (IL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The objective of this program is to fund construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for Homeless (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shelters dedicated to the provision of stable, safe and adequate housing; with a goal of increasing capacity to pre-COVID levels. Performance Goals and Measures  The Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and requires that all projects awarded must tie back to the to the prevention, preparation, and response to coronavirus. All grants must meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting business The number of grants will be determined based on the amounts requested. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is has yet to be determined but will be at least $15 million. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a current SAM.gov registration, SAM.gov registrations must be marked as “public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information; Has a valid UEI number Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants include Be a unit of local government receiving, or in an area receiving direct “Entitlement” Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Have a current Shelter Funding Strategy identifying needs, and plans to meet the needs. Have a strong collaborative relationship with all relevant local entities (service providers, community organizations, etc.) and have letters of support from a minimum of 5 community homelessness support services; Remain compliant with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), For more information, visit DCEO.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses for advancement of business operations. Donor Name: City of Rockford State: Illinois City: Rockford Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program (Program) offers up to $25,000 in gap funding to business growth projects. The Program is to encourage business development and advancement with job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. Business must be located in an eligible census tract to apply. Eligible Projects  Eligible Projects Include: Purchase of equipment. Operating expenses associated with business expansion (inventory, employee salaries, rent, operating expenses and advertising/marketing expenses). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Applicants Include: For-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries. Business is located in a property zoned Commercial or Industrial Business was established by May 1, 2024 documented through registration by the State or County. Business is registered with the Official U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM.gov), and will have an Active status at the time of assistance. Ineligible Applicants Include: Home-based businesses. Businesses established after May 1, 2024. Businesses that primarily engage in speculative activities that develop profits from fluctuations in price rather than through normal course of trade. Non-profits. For more information, visit City of Rockford.

General Operating Support (GOS) Grants are offered to established not-for-profit organizations that provide arts programming to their defined communities in a manner that supports the mission of the organization. Donor Name: Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The aims of the initiative are to: Analyze the demographic distribution of IAC’s general operating support awards. Engage IAC constituents in providing feedback about their needs, experiences, and perceptions. Identify equity strengths and weaknesses in the IAC’s approach to general operating support funding. Recommend applied actions the IAC can take to work toward greater grant making equity. Serve as an evidence base in IAC’s case for the resources needed to reach more Illinois communities with state support. Focus Areas Under-resourced communities of rural, high poverty, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and disability will contribute. Funding Information Applicants do not request a specific amount. The IAC anticipates that the minimum award will be $1,000. Grant Period FY25 General Operating Support Grant supports activities occurring no sooner than November 1, 2024, and extending until August 31, 2025. Allowable Expenses  Fees for artists and contractual personnel Position support / salaries Facilities costs, such as rent and utilities Supply costs, office supplies, printing, art supplies, etc. Generally, equipment costs. For durable equipment with a useful life of more than one-year equipment may not exceed $5,000 per unit. Information Technology (e.g., computer software/hardware, captioning, streaming – including increased bandwidth, hardware, specialized audio-visual equipment, etc.) Marketing and promotion costs General overhead/administrative costs Building maintenance, cleaning services, security, personal protective equipment Indirect costs (general overhead/administrative costs may not be claimed as direct AND indirect costs) Eligibility Criteria Registered 501(c)(3) Not-For-Profit Organizations in good standing with the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Branches of Government (e.g., Municipal, County, Libraries, Park Districts, etc.) Charitable Trusts Institutions of higher education and Religious Organizations PTOs, PTAs and other School Affiliate Organizations. Applicants must: Have been providing public arts programming and are able to provide operational financial information for at least one full fiscal year prior to the date of application. Apply utilizing a Salesforce account registered to the organizational applicant. Have a valid FEIN and UEI number entered in the IAC grant portal Submit all required application materials by the deadline. Be pre-qualified in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system. For more information, visit IACA.

A grant provided through this opportunity will support business retention investments needed for the continuation of a company’s operating presence in Illinois. Mandatory requirements: • Minimum employee retention level:100 • Eligible entities: 1. Must be a private for-profit business entity 2. Must be the legal owner of and have the authority to implement investments in a manufacturing complex already located and operating in Bushnell, IL. 3. Must have extensive direct applicable experience in operating a successful tool manufacturing firm. 4. Business entity must have less than 1,000 employees in Illinois. 5. Must have acquired a 100 full-time equivalent tool manufacturing firm in in McDonough County. In order to maximize the effectiveness of this retention investment, the applicant must maintain the operational production status of current product lines and not relocate these to other physical sites outside of an existing manufacturing plant located within Bushnell, IL. Expenses related to this grant must be directly tied to the retention of employees or improvements of the facilities located in Bushnell. For example, reimbursements for payroll and facility improvements may be acceptable under this grant.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments in Illinois for water and sanitary system projects that improve public health and safety in communities with significant low-to-moderate income populations.

This grant provides financial support to Illinois artists and non-profit organizations for various arts-related projects, programming, events, and professional development opportunities.

This program, initiated by the Commerce And Economic Opportunity department of Illinois, aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of clean energy solutions by engaging prime contractors. The program anticipates awarding 3 grants totaling $9,000,000, with individual grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000. Eligible projects should align with the state's goals to enhance clean energy infrastructure and capabilities. A technical assistance session is offered on 04/10/2024 at 3:00 PM. Registration is required via the provided link.

The 2024 States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), announced by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), seeks applications for grants to target federal resources toward communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. With a focus on economically distressed counties and parishes, SEDAP aims to invest in community-based and regional projects across four congressionally mandated funding categories: basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The program is designed to encourage job creation, regional collaboration, and funding partnerships, leveraging a total of $16,930,642, allocated across the eight-state DRA region with awards ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project type and application score.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community organizations to educate and assist underserved communities in Illinois with accessing clean energy programs and initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible contractors for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that benefit low-income communities and promote workforce training in Illinois.

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.

This program provides matching funds to Illinois-based businesses and organizations to help them secure federal grants for projects that promote economic growth, reduce equity gaps, and advance clean energy initiatives.

The City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development accepts applications for grant funding to support local commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects. Donor Name: Department of Planning and Development State: Illinois City: Chicago Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Chicago is committed to strengthening local business corridors and enhancing neighborhood vitality. The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments that expand upon DPD’s existing investments and support. City staff prioritizes projects in areas of Chicago with a history of disinvestment or limited private investment. Eligible capital projects will be considered for all applicable funding sources, including: Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development (Large Grants). Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (Large Grants). Tax Increment Financing. Funding Information $250,000 is available. Eligibility Criteria  Grant funding can be used for pre-development, construction, or renovation costs for permanent capital improvement projects. Open to community developers, business owners and entrepreneurs, and property owners. Site control is preferred, but not required. Residential-only development is not eligible, but mixed-use projects are eligible. Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community. Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance. For more information, visit City of Chicago DPD.

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

The "Illinois Regional Site Readiness Program" is a $40 million funding opportunity from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aimed at supporting infrastructure and capital improvements to prepare industrial and manufacturing sites for economic development across all 10 Economic Development Regions in the state, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $3,000,000, and applications open from July 23 to October 21, 2024.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to launch the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program (the “Program”). Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This NOFO sets forth the requirements for funding for the Primes Program Leads who will deliver the Illinois Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program, as specified by the Energy Transition Act (“Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,” or CEJA), 20 ILCS 730/5-55 Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program. The Program will support the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses. Program services will be offered in 3 Program delivery areas: Northern Illinois Central Illinois Southern Illinois Primes Program Leads will provide services to a small cohort of participant businesses to help them grow their businesses, building their capacity to: Apply for appropriate State and private business opportunities. Apply for Minority Business Enterprise certification and other relevant certifications and approved vendor status for programs offered by utilities or other entities. Prepare bids and responses to Requests for Proposals. Become listed in any relevant directories and databases organized by the Department of Central Management Services. Connect with and participate in the Illinois Power Agency’s Illinois Shines Program (also referred to as the Adjustable Block Program) and Solar for All Programs and utility programs. Apply for financial development assistance programs such as zero-interest and low-interest loans of the Climate Bank. Services provided by Primes Program Leads to participant contractors will include: Business coaching based on the participant’s needs and opportunities to connect with participants in other Department programs Dispensing of operational support grants to support the growth of participant contractors (included in Primes Program Leads’ budget). Grants should not exceed $1,000,000 annually and are to be used for upfront project costs and pre-development funding, among others. The amount of the grant will be based on the anticipated project size and scope. Providing progressive, one-on-one business coaching based on participant needs. This will include monthly review of participant metrics and advice on achieving goals. Assistance in developing business plans, including a 5-year business strategy. Technical assistance and training. Assignment and supervision of mentors for a minimum of two years by a qualified company in the declared field for participant contractors. Connections to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Services and other Department programs. Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $Total is,000,000 for the first twelve (12) months of the award. Awards will range from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 for the delivery of the Clean Energy Primes Accelerator Program in each region.  Project Period The period of performance is expected to be September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity: Has a valid FEIN number Has a valid UEI number Has a current SAM.gov registration; Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal); and Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list For more information, visit DCEO.

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.