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DCEO Northeast Region Weekly Update

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DCEO Northeast Region Weekly Update

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Northeast Region Weekly Update

May 13, 2025

 

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2025

 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month throughout May. Learn more about upcoming events and support AAPI-owned businesses in Illinois by checking out the business directories listed on our website.


Team RED Monthly Webinar – Thursday, May 15

Do This One Thing To Become A Downtown Expert In Your Own Town– For Free!

If you’re a city staffer, economic development professional, or a dedicated volunteer looking to make a difference downtown, this webinar is for you. We’ll walk through one practical, free method that can immediately elevate your impact: conducting a simple, street-level building inventory. No consultants, no big budgets — just your phone, a notepad, and a computer. Learn how to map and document the real-time conditions of buildings and businesses downtown: What’s vacant? What’s thriving? Who owns what? Using freely available public tools like local GIS systems and county property tax assessor's websites, you’ll gain access to valuable data hidden in plain sight.

Aligned with the Economic Vitality point of the Main Street Approach, this session will equip you with the skills to spot patterns, identify gaps in services or business types, and build the foundation for smart revitalization strategies. Whether you’re trying to support small business growth, attract investment, or shape local policy, this grassroots inventory method gives you the insight and confidence to lead the conversation — and it won’t cost you a dime.


Presenter Information

As the Director of Illinois Main Street, Erik Reader coordinates the statewide effort to support Main Street communities through networking, educational, and programmatic activities. He serves as the key point of contact to public and private partners while leading the discussion on downtown revitalization, community preservation, and place-based economic development. Learn more about Erik here.



Thursday, May 15, 2025 10:00 AM Register

https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r4c30edbdb5a81059f1f5d0d0c9572f70      

         

Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Round 2

  The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. While the Illinois Grocery Initiative is intended to reduce or eliminate the existence of "food deserts" in Illinois and will prioritize stores located in food deserts, the Equipment Upgrades Program is not limited to establishments located in food deserts. These grants are intended, however, to facilitate energy-efficient equipment investment and sustainability for stores located in food deserts, areas that could become food deserts, and other areas that are underserved to a lesser degree. These grants will reimburse costs for the purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment. Other costs, including investment in solar generation equipment and remodeling, are ineligible for this program. DCEO has contracted with Chicago State University (CSU) and Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees. Applicants desiring assistance in preparing applications may contact these institutions directly. Chicago State University Derrick K. Collins Dean, College of Business O (773) 995-3976 M (312) 953-1295 dcolli25@csu.edu. Western Illinois University Sean Park Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs 217-248-0079 ms-park@wiu.edu.  The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program, insofar the equipment will result in energy efficiency improvements: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; and lighting systems. Cost sharing or Matching is required for this opportunity. Applicants are required to provide 25% of the total project costs, representing a 1:3 match. These matching funds can come from any nonstate sources such as local municipal funds, federal funds, or private investment. Such sources of funds shall be identified and documented in the application.  To review the NOFO and application information click here Application deadline is December 15, 2025.

 

Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

Contractors or subcontractors that employ apprentices that have completed the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on any project (stated or privately funded) are eligible to earn bid credits they can use to make their bids for future state-funded public works projects more competitive. The Illinois Works Bid Credit Program provides bid credits for both hiring and retaining graduates. For general program questions, please contact the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program at CEO.BidCreditProgram@illinois.gov. If you’re a state agency seeking information regarding the Bid Credit Program, email Rebecca Bailey, Senior Bid Credit Program Manager at Rebecca.j.bailey@illinois.gov. For additional information, please download the Bid Credit Program One sheeter. To view application information and apply for the Bid Credit Program, please visit the DCEO website.

 Interested in joining the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program?

If you are a contractor or subcontractor and are interested in registering for the Bid Credit Program, complete the Contractor Registration Form today! *Recordings of past webinars can be found on the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program Partner Guide.

 

Office of Accountability

Curious about the grant lifecycle or wanting to learn more about the different facets of grants? Do you have a grant-related question that you would like answered in real time? DCEO is pleased to offer three training options for current and potential grantees. Interested in participating in a training session? Learn more and sign up to register at this link.

Virtual Office Hour Q & A - Tuesdays at 2pm:
Join for a virtual question and answer session via Webex in which potential and current Grantees may attend to ask questions and seek assistance. Technical Support Managers will be online to field questions, demonstrate steps, or provide instructions as needed to assist entities and individuals with the grant process.

Pre-Qualification Training – 1st Wednesday of the month 9AM:
This slide presentation will cover Pre-Qualification requirements. Pre-qualification is required of all grantees with the State of Illinois and must be maintained throughout a grant program. To be in pre-qualified status means that all required registrations have been met and an entity is in good standing and able to conduct business with the State of Illinois. Join DCEO’s Technical Support Team as we explain each step in the pre-qualification process and how to get started.

Various topics Training – 3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM:
This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Register or view recording of past grant trainings at this link.

  • May 21, 2025 – Completing a Budget Application: This training will introduce the budget application and instructions on how to best complete the budget for application submission.
  • Jun 18, 2025 – Reporting and Supporting Documents: This training will explain the Periodic Performance Report and Periodic Financial Report, as well as appropriate supporting documents required for submission.
  • July 16, 2025 – Indirect Cost Rates: This training will introduce potential and current Grantees to the Indirect Cost Rate system, the different types of elections and requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders through the review process.
  • August 20, 2025 – Help Desk Overview and Resources: (CSFA, GATA) This training will provide insight on the resources available to potential and current Grantees as they navigate the Grant process. Learn where to find grant opportunities, how to search the CSFA, and how to contact DCEO for assistance.
  • September 17, 2025 – Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.
  • October 15, 2025 – Capital Grants: This training will explain what a capital grant is, requirements and eligibility for capital grants, application documents, and an overview of the grant lifecycle.
  • November 19, 2025 – Notice of Funding Opportunities: (NOFOs) This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.
  • December 17, 2025 – Audits: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention.


Need assistance with a grant-related question? Please email inquiries to ceo.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or use this Help Desk Inquiry Form. All inquiries submitted outside of business hours will be addressed the following business day.

 

For a complete list of current DCEO grant opportunities, upcoming grant trainings, video resource library and Grant Help Desk assistance, visit DCEO Grants (illinois.gov)


Grant opportunities include:

Clean Energy Career Pathway Program – Click here Deadline June 30, 2025

SBIR/STTR Match Program - Click here Deadline June 30, 2025

Future Energy Job Act Multi-Cultural Grant Program – click here Deadline July 1, 2025

Solar Pipeline Training Program – Click here Deadline July 1, 2025

Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Program Round 2 – Click here Deadline December 15, 2025

Federal Grant Support Program - Click here  No specific due date but must submit at least 3 weeks ahead of federal application

 

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs



IDNR accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants

  The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies.

  This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand their staff and equipment for these activities. Funding for this grant program is derived from a portion of the Illinois Natural Areas Acquisition Fund and must be used by IDNR for the stewardship of natural areas, including habitats for endangered and threatened species.

  Stewardship actions funded by this grant program must be included in the management schedules approved by the INPC and are limited to a maximum of $100,000 per proposal. Eligible costs may include contractual services, staff time related to the project, equipment, and materials necessary to complete stewardship projects such as tools, safety items, herbicide, construction materials, and indirect costs. Benefit costs are not eligible.

  Matching funds are required on all projects. The minimum match requirements allowed by administrative rule are 5% or $1,000, whichever is less, to ensure that all land trusts will have access to the program.Potential applicants can find more information online or by emailing Susan.Duke@Illinois.gov. Go online to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity for IDNR programs or to browse all State of Illinois grant opportunities.


Illinois Arts Council Creative Learning Grants for Schools


  The Illinois Arts Council’s (IAC) Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) supports arts learning opportunities in Illinois schools. The goal of this grant is to enable schools to acquire supplies, materials, equipment, or services from Illinois artists or arts organizations that are needed to address student needs for arts learning opportunities.      K-12 School districts, public schools, and charter schools are eligible to apply for up to $20,000.

 The application is due Thursday, May 29, at 11:59pm in IAC’s Salesforce grant portal.he grant period will be October 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.  Each IAC region has its own allocation and will select the grantees from the applications submitted in that region. More information can be found online: https://arts.illinois.gov/granting-opportunities/grants-programs/creative-learning-grants-for-schools.html


Illinois EPA Unsewered Communities Planning Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced a new funding opportunity to assist communities where there are currently no wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities. Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website.


The Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP) provides grant funding to develop a plan that will address problems associated with the collection and treatment of wastewater in an unsewered community. Ultimately, this information can be used in an application for a project that would be funded by the Illinois Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program. Funding for the UCPGP is made possible by utilizing a portion of Illinois EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Applicants that qualify can receive funding up to $30,000, and Illinois EPA expects to fund up to 50 grants.


All required forms and information are available on the Illinois EPA’s UCPGP webpage. The application period will remain open until all funding has been expended. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

 

Illinois EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $6.57 million to assist communities across the state in meeting the inventory requirements of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA). More information can be found at this link. Please not this grant program is for lead service line inventorying purposes only, and lead service line replacement costs are ineligible for this grant program.


IEPA Announces Expanded Eligibility for Energy Efficiency Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced the expansion of two energy efficiency grant opportunities. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program provide funding for energy efficiency assessments and upgrade projects at eligible properties serving residents receiving housing assistance. These grant programs will now accept applications statewide for single-family residential and multifamily properties with up to 20 dwelling units serving residents receiving housing assistance.


The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program give organizations the tools to identify renovations that will improve both energy efficiency and comfort of the buildings and then fund those projects. Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local governments, or nonprofit organizations throughout Illinois that serve residents using housing assistance programs. Both programs will make awards on a first-come, first-serve basis and will remain open until funds are depleted. For eligibility and application information, visit:


• Energy Efficiency Assessment Program  Send EE Assessment Program questions to Rebecca Luke, Office of Energy - Energy Projects Coordinator at Rebecca.J.Luke@Illinois.gov.


• Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program


Still have questions? Review the FAQ Document Link OR send EE Trust Fund Grant Program questions to Rebecca Luke at Rebecca.J.Luke@Illinois.gov. For more information about these grant programs and other Office of Energy efforts to increase energy efficiency and resiliency please click this link.

 

Helpful Resources

 

Grant Help Desk Resources

DCEO Office of Accountability

Email Us:

ceo.granthelp@illinois.gov

Or use our Inquiry Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/df9d38efa4e241218ced486c54f3c109

Visit Our Website:

https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities.html

Video Training & Resources Library Video Training & Resources (illinois.gov)

 

Grant Accountability and Transparency (GATA)


Audit Report Review Process Manual: https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/audit/audit-manual-august-2018-revision.pdf

 

 

 

State of Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) was created to expand access to state contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans and assist the state in enhancing the equity and inclusion throughout its workforce. CEI’s reach into state hiring and contracting is expansive and encompasses the involvement of several state agencies and commissions.


The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and competitive business environment that will support underrepresented businesses increase their capacity, grow revenue, and enhance credentials.

Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Certification BEP Certification

 

The Veterans Business Program (VBP) assists businesses owned by qualified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses in gaining access to State of Illinois contracting opportunities and participating in the competitive procurement process.

Veterans Business Program (VBP) VBP Certification


Workforce Development – Office of Employment & Training

The Office of Employment and Training supports innovative workforce programs and career, training and employment services that connect employers to a highly skilled workforce. Providing assistance and resources for job seekers is central to Illinois’ commitment to ensuring that businesses thrive in our state.

Programs and services:

 

DCEO Business Information Center (BIC) 

The BIC (First Stop) serves as a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our services include assistance with licensing and permitting, resource referrals, small business environmental assistance, and regulatory alerts for small businesses.

License & Permit Assistance and Resource Referrals

Contact us at BIC@Illinois.gov or 800-252-2923

Explore: Self-Serve Knowledge Base


Regulatory Flexibility Program

Contact us at ceo.regflex@illinois.gov or 217-299-1263

View our weekly Illinois Regulatory Alert

 

Small Business Environmental Assistance

Contact us at dceo.sbeap@illinois.gov or 800-252-3998

Explore: Frequently Asked Questions

 

DCEO Website – https://dceo.illinois.gov

The Illinois DCEO website includes a page dedicated to current state and federal grant opportunities as well as Grantee resources. Click here to find valuable information!

 

Join DCEO’s Team

DCEO’s Team is expanding around the state.  To apply for these jobs, please go to the Work4Illinois website and use the search function to find the positions for DCEO.


Following DCEO & Connecting with Team RED

If you have upcoming meetings or events and would like DCEO to participate, please reach out to us. Follow us on our social media channels for real time updates.
Facebook: @illinoisdceo
LinkedIn: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

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