Illinois Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

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.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to improve access to fresh food within food deserts by providing incentives to establish grocery stores. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program is intended to address the challenge of food deserts. Food deserts are census tracts meeting specific criteria related to poverty standards, population density, and limited food accessibility. This program aims to combat food insecurity by offering competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery stores in these areas by reimbursing successful applicants for eligible capital and non-capital costs.  Performance Goals and Measures  Grantees will be required to submit performance data to the Department on a quarterly basis. Performance reporting may encompass both the implementation of projects supported by the grant and impacts on the community. Performance measures may include but will not necessarily be limited to: New Store Project Milestones Completed Quarterly food sales New Grocery Store Remaining Open 1 year after project completion Number of employees in full time equivalents Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this program is $14 million across multiple rounds. Awards will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000. Project Period The period of performance is expected to be July 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2026. The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program: Land acquisition and related expenses Site development Construction of a new facility Renovations of an existing facility Furniture, fixtures, and equipment Working capital for first-year operating expenses, including: Employee wages Utility costs Initial inventory of food Other operating expenses that support the retail sale of food. This will not include expenditures on items unrelated to provision of fresh foods (e.g., video poker machines, inventory of cleaning supplies for sale) Eligibility Criteria An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, 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, 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.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to request applications for the Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) Capital Grant Program and for the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Implementation Grant Program. Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity State: Illinois County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: $20 million has been allocated for RDMS and $10 million for RISE, with individual grants for both opportunities ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. An applicant may receive no more than one award through this NOFO. RDMS will facilitate investment to revitalize commercial corridors and downtown areas in Illinois, offering capital grants to support improvements in communities that have experienced disinvestment, particularly those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis. This support will help to accelerate Illinois’ economic recovery and promote long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth for the state. RDMS grants are available for capital projects only. Examples of suitable projects include but are not limited to: Improvement and repair of roads, sidewalks, and lighting in commercial corridors and downtowns Development of public spaces that will attract events to and/or add to the appeal of commercial corridors and downtowns Improvement and repair of water and sewer infrastructure serving commercial corridors and downtowns Mixed-use development that will add to the vitality of commercial corridors and downtowns Funding Information Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $20 million for RDMS and $10 million for RISE Implementation. Awards will range from $250,000 to $2 million for both programs. The period of performance is expected to be late calendar year 2024 through the end of calendar year 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, as applicable Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list and Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list Eligible Applicants  The following entities are eligible to apply for both RDMS and RISE Implementation grants: Economic development organizations (EDOs) Local units of government (e.g., municipalities, counties, townships) Private Businesses Special purpose local units of government (e.g., library districts, fire protection districts, schools) are not eligible.  For more information, visit DCEO.

Description: The Illinois Grocery Initiative aims to establish new grocery stores in food deserts to increase access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant, under the funding opportunity number FY24-2 and CSFA number 420-35-3295, anticipates awarding 8 grants with a total program funding of $14,000,000. Eligible projects must involve capital expenditures, as operational costs are not covered. Grants will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000, and applicants are required to meet cost-sharing requirements. The application window opens on 04/09/2024 and closes on 05/24/2024. Indirect costs are allowed but restricted to capital-only expenditures. There are mandatory and optional technical assistance sessions provided to assist applicants, with registration required through provided links.

This program provides funding for a wide range of projects across various sectors, offering financial support to organizations and individuals in Illinois with awards between $10,000 and $5,000,000.

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.

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.

The City of Evanston is seeking applications for its Small Business Recovery Program to protect small business economy and preserve Evanston’s economic and cultural fabric. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston’s economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic. Funding Information The maximum grant amount per applicant is $25,000. All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000. Eligible Services  Eligible applicants may request any of the following services: Facade improvements Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property Signage, including blade signs Professional Services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal) Marketing / communications technical assistance (including social media and paid advertising expenditures) Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment) Training and certifications Relocation and expansion within Evanston (if located in qualified census tracts) Hiring and training of new employees Other expenses may be considered on a case by case basis Eligibility Criteria  Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020. The business must have a physical location in Evanston which is also properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. The business has 50 or fewer employees. Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible. The business must demonstrate they were negatively impacted by the pandemic and how the requested expenses will aid recovery. In the event applications exceed available funding, priority will be given to M/W/D/EBE businesses or those located in qualified census tracts For more information, visit City of Evanston.

The City of Evanston’s “Sustain Evanston” Incentive Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners to implement sustainability measures that align with the goals of the City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan while reducing their operating costs and better serving their customers. Donor Name: City of Evanston State: Illinois City: Evanston 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 provides a rebate of the total cost of qualifying interior or exterior improvements. The Economic Development Division and Sustainability & Resilience Division manage the program. Funding Information Eligible applicants will receive assistance from $1,000 to $25,000. Eligible Expenses Capital Projects such as: Heat Pumps EV Charging Infrastructure Solar PV Waste Collection Enclosures Balers/Compactors Green Infrastructure Green Roofs Insulation Windows Equipment such as: Containers Reusable containers Lighting/Fixtures Appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, induction stove) Services such as: Composting Services Recycling Services Energy/Water Benchmarking Services Consulting Education Materials such as: Signage Labels Eligibility Criteria Eligible participants of the program include: Commercial property owners Tenants of commercial buildings Business Districts Coalition of businesses Tenants must have:  A written commitment to operating within the City of Evanston: A current lease with a minimum of five (5) years remaining from the date of application or; Evidence that the business has operated in Evanston for over five (5) years or; A combination of historical operation and remaining lease time totaling at least five (5) years Written approval from the property owner to participate in the Program Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Business Districts or Coalitions must have:  List of businesses that the project would benefit; Participating business owners’ signed letter of support or signature Proper business license and/or registration with the City No outstanding debt with the City Commercial Property Owners must have:  Proof of ownership No outstanding debt with the City For more information, visit  City of Evanston.

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Peoria region that leverage the arts to drive economic growth, enhance tourism, and strengthen community engagement.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

UPDATED NOTICE - PLEASE READ: April 6, 2023 EDA is excited to announce the launch of its new grants management platform: the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE). EDGE was developed to streamline the application and grants management process by implementing a single platform with increased transparency, improved user experience, higher data quality, and more efficiency throughout the entire grant lifecycle. As of April 6th, 2023, applications can no longer be submitted on Grants.gov, and will ONLY be accepted through EDGE. To apply in EDGE, please go to: sfgrants.eda.gov. More information on how to apply is provided in the full NOFO. PARTNERSHIP PLANNING program instructions: Please note that applicants will be invited to submit applications through EDGE for the Partnership Planning program. For more information, please reach out to your EDA point of contact. Program Description: EDA makes planning and local technical assistance investments to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under the Planning program, EDA makes Partnership Planning, Short-Term Planning, and State Planning awards to eligible recipients to create and implement regional economic development plans designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. More specifically, EDA makes Partnership Planning investments to designated planning organizations (i.e., District Organizations) serving EDA-designated Economic Development Districts and to Indian Tribes to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients respective regions. EDA also makes Short-Term and State Planning awards for economic development planning activities that guide the eventual creation and retention of high-quality jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the Nations most economically distressed regions. Under the Local Technical Assistance program, EDA makes awards to strengthen the capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible entities to undertake and promote effective economic development programs through projects such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning. **Please note: While the published Notice of Funding Opportunity (available under "Related Documents") states that the ED900A form and the SF424B form are both required for a complete application, these forms are no longer required and have therefore been removed from the package template.