Northeast Region Weekly Update

June 23, 2025

Illinois Pride Month 2025

Proclamation

View the Pride Month 2025 proclamation.

Illinois Office of Tourism Pride Events

• PRIDE Festivals in Illinois
• Pride in the Middle of Everything

Business Tours

DCEO’s team OE3 and RED are partnering to connect with local businesses directly. In June, both teams will be touring LGBTQIA+ owned businesses across the state and meeting with business owners to discuss available resources and opportunities.

Business and/or nonprofit resources and directories:

• First Stop Business Information Center - Provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs. First Stop can be reached at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.firststop@illinois.gov.
• Incentives and Tax Assistance - Illinois offers a competitive range of incentives for locating and expanding your business, including tax credits and exemptions that encourage business growth and job creation.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Centers are located across the state that provide free business counseling for small for-profit businesses.
• Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) - The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is a non-regulatory program which provides free, confidential assistance to Illinois small businesses to help them succeed. Services include a toll-free helpline 1-800-252-3998 for confidential regulatory questions.
• LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois - Promoting Economic Opportunities for the LGTBQ+ Business Community
• Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) Chicago - One of the oldest Latinx LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States.
• Equality Illinois - The state's oldest, largest and most effective advocacy organization dedicated to defending rights for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.
• DCEO OE3 Newsletter - DCEO OE3’s monthly newsletter shares business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for businesses

Access the PRIDE Month 2025 toolkit, to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to celebrate and promote PRIDE Month 2025! For more information on PRIDE creativities or questions, contact OE3 team member, Diana Alfaro at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov or RED team member Renee Wott at Renee.Wott@Illinois.gov. To learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.

Team RED Monthly Webinar: Overview of the Illinois SBDC Network

Date and time: Thursday, June 26, at 10:00 AM

Register link:

https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/ra1209305ecd5e967b666a40810365f99

Ericka White, State Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, will lead a comprehensive overview of the state's small business support ecosystem. This informative session will cover:

• State Network Overview: Introduction to SBDC centers across Illinois, including current service gaps and underserved areas within the state
• Service Portfolio Review: Comprehensive overview of services provided by the Illinois SBDC Network, from one-on-one business advising and training programs to specialized startup and existing business support
• Partnership and Collaboration: How the SBDC Network works with economic development organizations, financial institutions, educational institutions, and other business support entities to enhance service delivery
• Strategic Direction: Current strategic priorities and upcoming plans related to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) expected this fall

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. osts, 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.

DCEO Office of Energy & Business Utility

The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Energy & Business Utility is pleased to announce the release of three clean energy economic development funding opportunities. These opportunities are designed to offer direct funding to communities across the state to develop clean energy projects. Click on the name of the programs below to access additional information regarding grant application requirements.

• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program - $25.5 million total award funding
• Anticipated Awards: 40 awards
• Award Range: $250,000 - $1,000,000
• Eligible Applicants: Equity Eligible Contractor; Business, Non-profit, Cooperative Organization that meets equity building criteria.
• Program focus: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in Illinois, with a specific focus on historically disadvantaged communities.
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program - $8.5 million total award funding
• Anticipated Awards: 40 awards
• Award Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
• Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, public entities, and technical service providers in partnership with community-based organizations.
• Program focus: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of programs and entities to assist in the long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects, such as community solar cooperatives.
• NOFO Information Session: Monday, June 16, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Register
• Energy Transition Community Grant Program - $40 million total award funding
• Anticipated Awards: 50
• Eligible Applicants: Local units of government (municipalities, counties, school districts, and other taxing districts) within 30 miles of a fossil fuel or nuclear power plant or coal mine that has closed/reduced operations or will close/reduce operations within 6 years.
• Program focus: Provides funding for the activities to help communities develop economic opportunities to replace the revenue/jobs lost due to plant/mine closures, and achieve environmental goals outlined in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

NOFO Information Session: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Register

One-on-one technical assistance will open for each grant above following its NOFO Information Session. For questions, please email CEO.CEJA@illinois.gov

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.

• 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

Illinois EPA Watershed Management Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced a total of $4.4 million in funding through the release of two Section 319(h) Grant Program Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for both watershed-based planning projects as well as watershed-based plan implementation projects to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments to Illinois’ surface and groundwater resources.

“Illinois EPA’s Section 319 program enables us to prioritize projects in areas where nonpoint source pollution (NPS)  is a significant cause of impairment in local watersheds,” said Acting Director Jennings. “Projects focused on the development of a watershed management plan, or the eventual implementation of such plans are essential to addressing and improving water quality throughout Illinois.”

NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the grand. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, eventually depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.

Illinois EPA receives federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act to implement the Section 319(h) Grant Program. The $4.4 million will be split, with up to $400,000 to fund watershed-based planning projects, and up to $4 million to fund watershed-based plan implementation projects. This includes a total of up to $250,000 for Education and Information projects, $150,000 for Monitoring projects, and $3,600,000 for Best Management Practice projects. Actual funding depends on the final U.S. EPA budget approved by Congress and the allocation awarded to Illinois.

The Notice of Funding Opportunities and additional information can be found at on Illinois EPA’s Nonpoint Source Grants webpage. Applications for the Section 319(h) Grant program will be accepted through 1:00 PM (CDT) on July 23, 2025. Applicants must apply through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

Illinois EPA Gulf Hypoxia Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a new grant program, the Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) Priority Watershed Implementation, offering up to $788,000 in funding for nonpoint source (NPS) pollution edge-of-field control projects to prevent, eliminate, or reduce nitrate loads to Illinois’ surface waters that serve as public water supply sources. Best management practices (BMPs) that are eligible for this funding include the following edge-of-field agricultural practices:

• Denitrifying Bioreactor (CP 605)

• Saturated Buffer (CP 604)

• Constructed Wetland (CP 656)

“Illinois EPA is excited to offer a grant program that is directly connected to the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,” said Acting Director Jennings. “Edge-of-field BMPs will reduce nitrate loss, improve water quality, and reduce loading to the Gulf hypoxic zone.”

Through the GHP Priority Watershed Implementation, Illinois will have the additional resources to make progress toward reducing nutrient loads in Illinois. These efforts will improve water quality and help local public water supplies meet water quality standards for nitrates. These projects can also provide communities with a more resilient landscape.

The GHP Priority Watershed Implementation NOFO includes a map of eligible watersheds. Only projects included in the specified watersheds and incorporating one of the three specified BMPs will be eligible for funding.

The Notice of Funding Opportunities and additional information can be found on Illinois EPA’s GHP Priority Watershed Implementation webpage. Awards for the GHP Priority Watershed Implementation will be made until funds are expended or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. Applicants must apply through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

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.

Helpful Resources

Grant Help Desk Resources

DCEO Office of Accountability

• Office Hours for Grantees – Office of Accountability is hosting a weekly office hour every Tuesday 
• from 2-3pm for any questions grantees or potential grantees may have.
• Sign up for any of these sessions with this link

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)

• GATA Grantee Portal: https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/
• GATA Grantee Portal New User Guide: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/GATA%20New%20User%20Guide.pdf
• GATU Resource Site: https://gata.illinois.gov/
• Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA): https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html
• DCEO Current Grant Opportunities: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html

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:

• Illinois workNet®
• WIOA Works Illinois
• Apprenticeship Illinois
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA)
• WIOA Success Stories
• More Programs and Resources
• Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS)
• Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

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