Northeast Region Weekly

Update March 18, 2024

Women’s HERstory Month 2024

"Illinois Advancing HER Business"

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as we celebrate and honor HER, Illinois women-owned businesses, during national Women’s HERstory Month. Throughout March, DCEO is hosting events and elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses throughout the state. We’ll also spotlight businesses owned by women in Illinois – learn more about how to get involved and support women- owned businesses throughout Illinois below!

Events

Overview of Mentoring Programs for Women Entrepreneurs Thursday | March 21, 2024 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Virtual | Register here

Tailored for women-owned businesses of all stages and industries, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs, with all genders welcome to join.

Looking to join an accelerator/cohort/mentoring program to take your company or business idea to the next level? During Team RED’s Office Hours, the entrepreneurial ecosystem will share their tailored programs with you during DCEO’s Women’s HERstory Month celebrating Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs.

1st Annual Asian Women’s Summit

Friday, March 22, 2024 | 8:30 AM-1:00 PM | In-person at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in Chicago | Register here

Tailored for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) professional women from all sectors and AAPI university female students, with attendees from all backgrounds (genders/ethnicities/races/etc.) welcome to join.

Get empowered and inspired by Asian women leaders from diverse sectors and industries who will share resources, advice, and stories at the 1st Annual Asian Women’s Summit in Chicago. The summit is presented by co- hosts Aurora Austriaco, Mark Hands and Clarita Santos, together with the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago (PACCGC), The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)- Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL), South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and Valentine Austriaco and Bueschel, P.C.

Additional Events Throughout Illinois’ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

View additional upcoming events for women-owned businesses happening throughout Illinois during the month of March and year-round.

Connecting HER to Illinois Business Resources Guide

As this guide provides a wealth of knowledge for Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, and aspiring female entrepreneurs, it includes business resources offered by entrepreneur supporting organizations (ESOs) and aligned multisector organizations. Resources include financial capital (grants, loans, tools, etc.), social capital (mentoring programs & networking opportunities), contractor & vendor opportunities, and much more!

Do you have questions about ARPA NEU funding?

The date for the annual reporting under the ARPA NEU program is fast approaching. DCEO continues to engage with Crowe to provide assistance to local communities to complete their reporting. You can reach out to Crowe through the following methods:

To view the presentation slides from the March 11, 2024 webinar, click here

April 2024 – April Office Hours

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday (9:00 am-9:30 am CST) Direct link and passcode:

https://crowe.zoom.us/j/93279088816?pwd=c0JBaTBzU0VrVlNIbWJjU0dTUjdOQT09

Passcode: 307931

Tuesday & Thursday (2:00 pm – 2:30 pm CST)

Direct link and passcode

https://crowe.zoom.us/j/95630934062?pwd=ZTVKWGEyc3VJbkM5QmVPVTJ6cEY2QT09

Passcode: 888403

To ask a question or request a support call, contact the NEU Support Team at either ILARPA@crowe.com or CEO.CURE@illinois.gov. To ask a question about the U.S Treasury Reporting Portal, please contact covidreliefITsupport@treasury.gov

Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program

DCEO is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity 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.

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.

Eligible Applicants must:

• 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. See list below.
• 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.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.)

The following Units of Local Government receiving an annual allocation directly from HUD on an entitlement (formula) basis are “Entitlements”, and eligible for this grant. Communities located within a named Urban County are also eligible to apply. In 2023, Illinois had 33 metropolitan cities and eight urban counties named as Entitlements. They are:

Urban Counties: Cook County, Madison County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Kane County, St. Clair County, Lake County, Will County

Metropolitan Cities: Arlington Heights, DeKalb, Mount Prospect, Rantoul, Aurora, Des Plaines, Naperville, Rockford, Berwyn, Elgin, Normal, Rock Island, Bloomington, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Schaumburg, Champaign, Hoffman Estates, Oak Park, Skokie, Chicago, Joliet, Palatine, Springfield, Cicero, Kankakee, Pekin, Urbana, Danville, Moline, Peoria, Waukegan, Decatur

For more information visit Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3351-2722) (illinois.gov) Application deadline July 31, 2024.

 Innovation Voucher Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $3 million in available grant funding through the Innovation Voucher Program. Innovation Vouchers will provide grants for companies to engage in research projects in partnership with a qualified Illinois institute of higher education, ultimately leading to the commercialization of new Illinois-based products and stimulating economic growth in the state. Grantees will be selected through a competitive application process.

This program aims to promote research and development partnerships between small- and mid-sized businesses and Illinois’ world-class higher education institutions, leveraging research capabilities, facilities, and expertise to drive innovation that propels business forward. Innovation Vouchers are designed to support with research engagement costs, including the sharing of technologies, knowledge, facilities, equipment necessary for project needs, and more.

Eligible entities include businesses with fewer than 500 employees that are Illinois-based or have at least 100 full- time employees in Illinois that operate in key industries, including agribusiness and agriculture technology, energy, information technology, life sciences and health care, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.

Eligible research and development projects will lead to the creation of new products and services throughout Illinois. Qualified entities can apply for competitive grants, with awards up to $75,000, to cover up to 75% of research engagement costs. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. To view application information and apply for the grant, please visit the program website.

CEJA Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $8.5 million in funding for the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program supports community-based organizations and technical service providers in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities to plan, develop and execute community solar projects. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

The goal of this grant program is to provide upfront seed capital funding to overcome barriers to project development caused by lack of capital in historically disadvantaged communities. The program prioritizes funding for community solar projects that are located in and provide community benefits to environmental justice or Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) communities. Environmental justice and R3 communities are areas where residents have historically been excluded from economic opportunities, including opportunities in the energy sector, and areas that experience high levels of pollution.

Grant funding may be used to support a variety of pre-development activities to benefit historically disadvantaged communities, including early-stage project planning, project team organization, site identification, procurement and contracting, securing financing, customer outreach, site assessments, and more. Funds may also be used to support the development of cooperative or community ownership models that allocate benefits to communities and support long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects.

Qualified entities include community-based organizations and technical service providers working in direct partnerships with community-based organizations. Through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., or until funds are exhausted. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.

CEJA Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is pleased to announce the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the CEJA Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Program. This program will provide grants to organizations to train people who are incarcerated in the following Illinois Department of Corrections facilities: Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, Decatur Correctional Center, Western Illinois Correctional Center, and Vienna Correctional Center.

Organizations will provide classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities to people incarcerated in these facilities, utilizing a standard Clean Jobs Curriculum Framework. Upon release, returning resident

participants will be supported in gaining employment in the clean energy industry. Applicant teams are invited to submit an application for funding by April 15, 2024 at 5:00pm.

Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the program, build your applicant team, and receive one-on- one technical assistance.

• Sign up for a one-on-one technical assistance session with a CEJA program coach.
• Submit questions about the program and the application process via e-mail to ceo.ceja@illinois.gov.
• Additional networking events and information sessions: See Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program (CEJA) (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3361-2715)

About the Program: The Returning Resident Clean Jobs Training Program will provide grants to organizations to train people who are incarcerated in the following Illinois Department of Corrections facilities: Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, Decatur Correctional Center, Western Illinois Correctional Center, and Vienna Correctional Center. Applications are due by April 15, 2024 at 5:00pm.

Technical Assistance: Watch a recording of the Informational Webinar [LINK] for the program to learn more about program requirements and how to apply. Sign up here for one-on-one technical assistance with a CEJA program coach and submit questions about the program and the application process via e-mail to ceo.ceja@illinois.gov.

Illinois Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Challenge

Let’s get the Illinois Broadband Map right! If you represent one of the following entities, or if you facilitate internet use among vulnerable populations, this information is for you!

• Schools
• Libraries
• Medical providers
• Public safety entities
• Public housing organizations Non-profits/Community-based organizations
• Local government
• Parks

The problem we are trying to solve; we are working to make sure all homes, small businesses, and community anchor institutions have access to high-speed internet. What do we mean by access? Access = if you want to subscribe to internet service, you can call an internet service provider to get connected within 10 business days. High-speed internet for a home or small business means having access to at least 100 / 20 Mbps service. And for community anchor institutions, it means having access to at least 1 / 1 Gbps service. For all, high-speed service means having latency of 100 milliseconds or less.

How can you help? Illinois has been allocated $1.04 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to bring high-speed internet access to the ~230,000 households, small businesses, and community anchor institutions that can’t get access to at least 100 / 20 Mbps or 1 / 1 Gbps service. We need your help to identify ALL homes, small businesses, and community anchors without high-speed internet access—so we can make sure they get access. Deadline March 18, 2024.

How can you participate?

• Individuals: Encourage residents with access challenges to visit https://beadchallenge.org/ to take three speed tests over three days.
• Organizations: If your organization cannot access at least 1 / 1 Gbps service, please confirm that this information is shown in the IL BEAD Challenge Map. If the information in the map is inaccurate: Register here for the IL BEAD Challenge Process. Review the information on our website to learn how you can submit a challenge.

To learn more, visit the Illinois Office of Broadband’s website at the QR code to the right. Have more questions? Email us at broadband@illinois.gov.

Local Grocers Equipment Upgrades Grant

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $3.5 million in available grant funding for local grocers through the Equipment Upgrades Program as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative. These grants will provide funding for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing grocery stores, with priority given to those located in food insecure communities across the state. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. This program is designed to strengthen existing grocery stores and preserve access to fresh food in food insecure communities, in an effort to stop the formation of new food deserts. In order to support businesses most in-need, eligible applicants must be independently owned grocers with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery stores. Grocery stores located in food deserts as defined by the USDA map are prioritized for this initiative.

Qualified applicants can apply for grants between $25,000 to $250,000, with a 1:3 match required. Applications for this round of grants will be accepted until March 25, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program - Direct Forgivable Loan Application

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that applications for Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program are open. Through the program, $12 million is available through Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) fully financed by the State. Loan amounts, up to $240,000, will be provided to qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries. Link

Applicants must submit requested documents and complete the Smartsheet Application Form. Late submissions will not be reviewed or accepted. Complete instructions are detailed in the Application Cover letter. Please send application inquiries to CEO.CannabisLoan@illinois.gov.

Deadline Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Office of Accountability

Attention Grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting virtual training sessions covering various stages in the grant process.

3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM. Learn more: here

The 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. Future topics offerings include:

• 3/20/24 Grantee Compliance: This training will introduce the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System and the requirements set forth in the 2 CFR 200, Grant Agreement, and Disclosures.
• 4/17/24 Audit and Monitoring: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention.

CEJA Equitable Energy Future Grants

DCEO launched $25.5 million in funding for the Equitable Energy Future Grants Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program supports renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities to grow and diversify the clean energy ecosystem across Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

The goal of the Equitable Energy Future program is to provide seed and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations and the workforce in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to help remove barriers to projects, community and business development efforts caused by lack of access to capital. Grant funding can be used to support a variety of projects to benefit historically disadvantaged communities, including planning and project development, professional services, purchasing and leasing of land, equipment, staff, and more.

Through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.

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)

Other grant opportunities include:

Apex Accelerators Click here Deadline March 28, 2024

Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation Support Program Click here Deadline April 4, 2024

Tourism Incentive Grant Click here Deadline May 1, 2024

SBIR/STTR Match Program Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

State Job Training and Workforce Programs Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Jobs Training and Economic Development Teachers Apprenticeship Program Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program Click here Deadline July 1, 2024 CDBG Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program Click here Deadline July 31, 2024 Quality Jobs Program Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs (CEJA) Click here Deadline rolling

Federal Grant Support Program Click here No specific due date CDBG Economic Development Program Click here Deadline rolling Connect Illinois Broadband Grant Click here Deadline rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

An Introduction to Federal IRA Tax Credits for Electric School Buses

March 19, 2024 - 12:00-1:30 PM EST

>>>> RSVP Today: https://wri.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d0NYevQLRnWKaz4hV1wmRA#/registration Please join WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative (ESB Initiative) for a free, educational webinar about the newly available Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles Credit (section 45W) and Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit (30C) for electric school buses and charging infrastructure. School districts and other entities without tax liability who put an electric school bus or charging infrastructure into service in an eligible fiscal year may be able to claim tax credits through a provision known as direct or elective pay.

Speakers will share background on the newly available tax credits, review eligibility for school districts, introduce the filing process and walk through sample scenarios. Join the Electric School Bus Initiative on Tuesday, March 19th, 12:00-1:30 PM EST to learn how these credits can save school bus operators tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars on school bus electrification.

IDOT Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program

The Illinois Department of Transportation released the first official Notice of Funding Opportunity for Round One of the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide up to $50 million for the construction of 46 charging stations across the state.

The Illinois NEVI program aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by providing reliable access to charging on Illinois interstates and is part of a series of comprehensive initiatives to achieve the state’s goal of becoming a leader in manufacturing and deploying electric vehicles.

Applications for funding must be submitted by May 7 at 5 p.m. A webinar recording on the funding opportunity and how to apply is posted on IDOT’s website for reference throughout the application period. For more information, contact IDOT at dot.driveelectric@illinois.gov.

DoIT’s Office of Supplier Diversity Webinar Series for Small Businesses to Conduct Business with the State of Illinois

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology’s (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with BMO Bank, invites small businesses to participate in their “EmpowerBiz” mini-webinar series as part of the “Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement” educational series.

The webinar series will feature a lineup of industry experts who will cover a wide range of topics including, mastering the loan process, achieving proficiency in financial management, and boosting business growth. Each webinar will provide practical insights and actionable steps that small businesses could implement to enhance their operations and seize new opportunities to grow.

The webinars in the EmpowerBiz series include:

• Demystifying the Loan Process and Mastering the 5 C’s - 10 to 11 AM on Wed., March 20, 2024
• Know Your Numbers: Mastering Ratios for Business Success - 10 to 11 AM on Wed., April 17, 2024
• Strategic Resources for Business Growth - 2 to 3 PM on Wed., May 15, 2024

Additionally, DoIT’s Office of Supplier Diversity invites current and prospective vendors to the 2024 DoIT Spring Supplier Day. Join DoIT leaders to learn about contracting opportunities with the state, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The in-person event will be held from 9 AM to 1 PM on Thurs., April 11, 2024 at the Illinois Department of Transportation Hanley Conference Center located at 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield. To register for the EmpowerBiz webinar series and to participate in the upcoming Spring Supplier Day event, visit https://doit.illinois.gov/news/events.html for more information.

ICJIA Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) Grant Program

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today released a notice of funding opportunity to provide Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) programming in historically underserved Illinois communities. R3 provides 25% of Cannabis Regulation and Trust Act tax revenues in grants to restore communities impacted by economic disinvestment, violence, and the severe and multilayered harm caused by the war on drugs.

Funded programs will offer evidence-based, promising, or innovative practices within at least one of the five R3 Program Priority Areas: civil legal aid, economic development, re-entry from the criminal justice system, violence prevention, and youth development. The negative consequences of the failed war on drugs have been felt far more severely by poor and disadvantaged communities—mostly communities of color. The R3 program seeks to repair this and other systemic disparities by ensuring funds are distributed equitably to high-need communities and provide the needed services in areas that have suffered the most harm.

Areas across Illinois were identified for R3 grant eligibility using community-level data on gun injury, child poverty, unemployment, and state prison commitments and returns, combined with disproportionately impacted areas previously identified by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. As required by statute, the map was updated this year based on new Census data. View map of R3 zones.

Organizations that serve residents of or are based in designated R3 zones are eligible to apply. Eligible for grants are nonprofit organizations, local units of government, tax-exempt faith-based organizations, businesses, and other community organizations. Application materials with instructions on how to apply are available here: https://r3.illinois.gov/. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2024.

IDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Workshops

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in March as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited.

March workshop dates and topics:

• March 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Construction
• March 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Professional Services
• March 26, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Suppliers
• March 28, 10 a.m. to noon: Quickbooks - Industry Specific: Trucking

Building Blocks of Success will continue through April. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Advance registration is required. Questions can be directed to IDOT’s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611. For more information on becoming a certified DBE and learning more about available IDOT resources, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.

IDOA Specialty Crop Block Grant

In an effort to expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) plans to distribute more than

$545,000 over a three-year period thanks to funding allocated in the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the federal Farm Bill.

Application for grant funding is available on the IDOA website and must be returned to the Department by 11:59 pm on March 22, 2024. To be eligible for funding, all projects must begin in calendar year 2025.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local and government entities, trade and commodity associations, public and private colleges/universities. Illinois encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.

Projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual are ineligible. Farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community-sponsored agriculture programs should consider submitting proposals to the USDA’s Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).” There are more than 3,200 producers devoting more than 90,000 acres of Illinois farmland to specialty crops production, creating nearly $500 million in annual sales for Illinois farmers. Nationally, Illinois ranks first for its pumpkin and horseradish production and in the top 10 for the production of asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard greens and lima beans.

Additional information about the program can be found online at the Department’s website or by contacting AGR.ISCBG@illinois.gov. Applications must be submitted to the Department no later than 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2024.

IMEC Made In Illinois Grant

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today launched $1 million in funding for the Made in Illinois Grant Program. The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to small- and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing.

Applications are open now through March 31, 2024, and manufacturers are encouraged to explore the benefits offered by the Made in Illinois Grant Program by visiting www.imec.org/madeinillinois. The page provides details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the improvements achievable through this initiative.

To be eligible to apply for this program, companies must:

• Be an Illinois manufacturer (as designated with a NAICS code starting with 31-33)
• Have between 5-250 employees
• Operated in Illinois for at least 3 years
• Had sales revenue in the last 12 months prior to application date

Illinois EPA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities.

The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include: funding justification, projects located in environmental justice areas of concern, energy burden, energy/electric service, and partnerships between local units of governments or where planning benefits multiple communities. Application materials are available at the Illinois EPA Office of Energy webpage. The application period closes at 5:00 pm on March 18, 2024.

The Illinois EPA is investing U.S. DOE IIJA funds in projects across the State that focus on energy efficiency, resiliency, and clean energy technologies specifically in areas of environmental justice concern. For more information about Office of Energy programming, including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, please visit https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy.html or call 217-785-8841. More information on the

U.S. DOE EECBG is available at https://www.energy.gov/infrastructure/articles/doe-iija-congressional-report.

Illinois EPA Energy Efficiency Projects Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim announced the Residential Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program – previously known as the Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Program or LIREE - with up to $5,000,000 in funding available for energy efficiency upgrades at single family or duplex residential properties. The Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program will benefit residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal housing assistance program and located in areas of environmental justice concern. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Agency’s website.

Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local government (municipalities, counties, or townships), or nonprofit organizations. Examples of eligible projects include window replacement, heating and cooling equipment retrofits, and lighting upgrades. Total project costs may range from $25,000 - $500,000 with a match requirement subject to total funding request.

Applications for the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program NOFO will be accepted on a rolling basis and eligible properties will receive funding on a first come, first serve basis. For eligibility and application information, visit: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/energy/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-trust-fund-grant.html.

Before applying to the grant program, applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, https://gata.illinois.gov/.

Illinois Department of Employment Security Workshare Illinois

WorkShare IL is a voluntary program that provides employers facing a decline in business with an

alternative to layoffs. The program allows an employer to reduce the number of hours worked in any unit

of their business in order to avoid permanent layoffs. Each employee in an affected unit continues to work but experiences a reduction in hours that ranges from 20% to 60%. Employees receive a corresponding

percentage of unemployment benefits during the period of temporary reduction to offset the reduction in earnings.

Resources

• If you are an employer and want to apply, please go to the WorkShare e-Services website or contact the WorkShare Program
• Illinois statute authorizing WorkShare/Short-time compensation program, 820 ILCS 405/502
• Background information from the U.S. Department of Labor

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
• Browse our Learning Libraries, Quick Reference Guides, and Instructional Videos

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

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 at https://illinois.jobs2web.com/ and use the search function to find the positions for our department.

Posting closing 3/27/24

Statistical Research Technician – Office of Employment & Training – Sangamon County

Following DCEO & Connecting with Team RED

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