Northeast Region Weekly Update March 16, 2026

Breaking News: Opportunity Zone 2.0 Information

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is pleased to invite you to an informational webinar on the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, scheduled for 3:00 PM on March 19. This session is designed for economic development organizations, local governments, regional planning agencies, chambers of commerce, and other professionals engaged in community and economic development across Illinois.

The webinar will provide an overview of the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, including key updates from the

previous designation round and the state’s process for evaluating and selecting eligible census tracts. We will also outline how local stakeholders can nominate individual tracts for consideration, what information will strengthen a nomination, and how Opportunity Zone 2.0 can support local investment and development strategies. A Q&A segment will follow the presentation.

Opportunity Zones 2.0 Webinar

Thursday, March 19

3:00 PM

Additionally, the Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination form will open on DCEO’s OZ page on the day of the webinar. We encourage all interested partners to attend and begin reviewing potentially eligible census tracts in advance of the nomination form opening. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the DCEO monitored email inbox: CEO.OpportunityZones@illinois.gov

Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as we empower HER during national Women’s HERstory Month in March. Throughout the month, DCEO is elevating resources to advance women-owned businesses and future female entrepreneurs throughout the state. Join us in advancing HER Illinois business! Learn how Illinois is supporting Illinois women-owned businesses and how we’re one of the top innovated U.S. states. Click here for the fact sheet to learn more!

Events

Milestone Circles Mentoring Program Info Session REGISTER AT THIS LINK

Tuesday | March 17, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CST | virtual

This event is presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. Attendees from all genders and backgrounds are welcome to join.

Learn more about the free, virtual mentoring program for entrepreneurs, Milestone Circles! You’ll have a chance to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs as you elevate your business to new heights! In this informational session, you’ll hear from Michelle Lura White from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Kamy Twiggs Taylor from the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center as they share more about the Milestone Circles program. You’ll also hear from two Illinois women entrepreneurs who are Milestone Circles alumni, Dr. Tramayne Butler-DeLong and Lynette Correa-Velez, who will share their experiences.

Open to all business industries, Milestone Circles now has industry focused cohorts which include:

• Climate & Clean Tech (Energy Tech, Carbon Capture/Sustainable Manufacturing, Ag Tech)
• Consumer Tech (Marketplaces, Creator Economy, Consumer Apps)
• Ed Tech, Property Tech, Web3/Blockchain*
• Healthcare & Life Sciences (Health Tech, Biotech, Med Tech)
• Mobility & Transportation (EVs/Charging Infrastructure, Autonomous Vehicles, Logistics Tech)
• Technology (SaaS, AI/Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure, Fintech, eCommerce Platforms)

To register at no cost, click here.

Additional Events Throughout Illinois’ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

To 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 the most in-depth, cross-sector business resources tool in the state, this guide provides a wealth of knowledge for Illinois women-owned businesses, future women business owners, aspiring female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from all communities; many of the resources are applicable to all genders, too. Offerings in the statewide tool include business resources presented by entrepreneurial support 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!

Milestone Circles

We invite Illinois entrepreneurs to apply and join Milestone Circles during National Women’s HERStory Month in March as well as in April! Milestone Circles is a free, virtual mentoring program, which is powered by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center with the support of the Wells Fargo Foundation, in collaboration with the Illinois Women’s Business Collective which is powered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) – Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3). We encourage Illinois women-owned businesses to select a virtual onboarding session anytime in March or in April. You’re also welcome to choose a different onboarding session anytime during the year if you can’t start in March or in April.

Learn more here about the Milestone Circles invite and application.

Additional Mentoring/Bootcamp/Cohort/Fellowship Programs

For additional programs for business owners as well as volunteer opportunities for mentors, check out the Social Capital for HER Illinois Business tool.

Celebrate Illinois Women-Owned Businesses

Throughout the month of March, we encourage Illinoisans to support and utilize women-owned businesses in their local communities and during their travels in the state. Below are several business directories and articles which list Illinois women-owned businesses. Check with your local chambers of commerce organizations, economic development corporations (EDCs), non-profits, etc. for business directories as well!

Enjoy Illinois: Women-Owned Businesses to Support in Your Communities and During Road Trips in Illinois

Check out ideas for road trips & women-owned businesses throughout Illinois to support!

Directories Featuring Illinois Women-owned Businesses

• Discover Illinois Food
• Biggest Women-Owned Businesses (in the Chicago region)
• Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s Woman Owned Business List
• Chicago Women-owned Businesses Assisting Event & Meeting Planners 
• Choose Chicago
• City of Peoria’s Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Directory
• City of Rockford’s List of Certified Woman Business Enterprises (WBEs)
• Federation of Women Contractors
• Grundy County Chamber of Commerce’s Women Owned Businesses Directory
• Illinois Made
• Illinois Office of Tourism
• Let’s Talk Womxn Chicago (collaboration of women restaurateurs)
• Marketplace (featuring Chicago area businesses)
• McHenry County Women-Owned Businesses Directory
• National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms
• Refine Collective
• Shop Columbia 
• Small Business Majority 2023 Holiday Guide
• State of Illinois BEP and VEP Certification Directory
• The Chicago Network’s Business Directory (includes women-owned businesses)
• Women Entrepreneurs Central Illinois Directory
• Women-Owned Businesses of Central Street in Evanston
• Women’s Business Network Lake County Directory
• YWCA Shop Chicago
• The online store managed by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, offers a curated selection of goods and services, where a portion of each purchase goes to benefit the YWCA and the communities that they support.
• YWCA Shop for Good in Evanston & Wilmette
• 100% of profits help support the YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s domestic violence and economic advancement programs that serve women across northeastern Cook County

E-news Tailored for Illinois Women Entrepreneurs

The recent statewide e-news tailored for Illinois women entrepreneurs include applications for mentoring programs, upcoming events in the entrepreneurial ecosystem for business owners in different industries/business stage levels/regions in Illinois/etc., nominations for awards, etc. Many of the presented resources in the statewide e-news, are also applicable to business owners of all genders as well. Come join the e-news community tailored for the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in Illinois, sign-up today and select the women’s e-news. You’re also welcome to join other e-news communities as well!

Illinois SBDC Day is Wednesday, March 18

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is a no-cost business advisement center located across several sites in Illinois. SBDCs provide training, advisement and other services through a partnership of the Illinois DCEO and the local host institutions. For more information about SBDCs click here.

The annual nationwide SBDC Day is celebrated on Wednesday, March 18. Many Illinois SBDCs are hosting special events on that day. To find your nearest SBDC, click here.

Team RED Monthly Webinar – APEX Accelerators

Join DCEO Team RED for our monthly webinar series on Thursday, March 19, at 10:00 am. This month’s topic is Illinois APEX Accelerators, and will be presented by Justin Niceswanger, Program Manager, Illinois APEX Accelerator for DCEO and Theresa Ebeler, PhD, Center Director, Illinois APEX Accelerator, Western Illinois University.

The Illinois APEX Accelerator is a no-cost resource available for businesses interested in pursuing government contracting, subcontracting, and innovative funding opportunities. Join us on March 19 for an overview of APEX Accelerator services, its purpose and impact, and how to locate the APEX Accelerator center serving your area. This training will be of interest to:

• Businesses wanting to sell (or increase sales of) their products and services to the government,
• Business resources / economic development staff seeking a trusted partner to assist their clients in navigating government opportunities,
• Innovators wanting to explore avenues for research and development / technology funding.
• Other stakeholders (agencies, programs, NGOs, etc.) invested in supporting economic growth in Illinois.

To register for this webinar, visit this link.

Manufacturing Training Academies Funding Opportunity

Governor JB Pritzker and DCEO announced $24 million is now available in grant funding to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs) at community colleges in the state’s downstate regions to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs in Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Eligible applicants include community colleges outside of Cook and the collar counties, excluding previous MTA awardees. Through this competitive NOFO, qualified entities can apply for grants from $3 million to $6 million. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. or 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.

Illinois DCEO Regional Site Readiness Program – Round 2

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced

$31.5 million in funding as part of the Regional Site Readiness Program – Round 2 – an infrastructure grant program designed to help communities attract businesses, create jobs, and support community renewal. Through the program, entities can apply for funding to begin planning and prepare unused or unsuitable sites – such as abandoned factories or brown fields – for business or community development.

The program contains two separate categories: Planning and Capital Ready. Qualified entities can apply for Planning grants up to $150,000 and Capital Ready grants up to $5 million. Eligible applicants include local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 31, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

A Technical Assistance webinar session recording can be accessed at this link. Below are links to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each grant:

Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 - PLANNING Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 – CAPITAL READY

The Regional Site Readiness Program will build upon the State’s efforts to support communities and landowners in their site readiness planning, assessments, and infrastructure improvements. This includes addressing the financial barriers faced when gathering information and making infrastructure improvements. The program will increase the number of sites with completed due diligence and expand the pipeline for future industrial site development. DCEO is investing in planning activities such as environmental due diligence and preliminary engineering costs, as well as capital ready activities including capital improvements to road or water infrastructure to increase the number of sites ready for industrial development.

Introducing the New CEJA Website

DCEO is pleased to announce the launch of its new Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) website. This updated site is the result of a year-long effort to refine content and tools to better serve the needs of communities across Illinois. It emphasizes clear program information, opportunities for engagement, and improved access to resources, including the CEJA Map.

Key features of the new website include:

• Clearer information organized by audience and stakeholder type
• Updated eligibility requirements for potential program participants
• Updated contact information for CEJA and FEJA grantees
• The CEJA Map and additional supporting resources

We invite you to visit the website to learn more about CEJA and how Illinois is advancing clean energy, workforce development, and equity in communities across the state. If you have questions about or suggestions for future website updates, please contact us at CEO.CEJA@Illinois.gov.

CEJA Capacity Grant

The Workforce Policy Lab, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is excited to introduce the CEJA Capacity Grant Program—a bold new initiative to strengthen a more inclusive and resilient clean energy future for Illinois. Launching in 2026, this program will provide current and prospective DCEO CEJA grantees and sub-grantees with robust capacity-building support, along with grant awards starting at $100,000. This direct investment will empower 501(c)(3) organizations across the state to scale clean energy workforce development, expand contractor opportunities, and drive equitable economic growth in communities statewide.

Visit the program website to explore program details and stay informed about opportunities and updates. Share the interest form found on the program website with your network so they can be the first to hear about the CEJA Capacity Grant when the opportunity goes live.

STAR Bonds Expanded Statewide

Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds support economic growth by financing the development and revitalization of major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR bond districts. The Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act was recently expanded to extend the availability of STAR bonds to support municipalities in every region of the state by empowering them with additional financing options to meaningfully invest in capital projects that will attract visitors and spur additional revenues in local

economies. Governor Pritzker has signed SB1911 (Public Act 104-0453), expanding Illinois’ Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds program so communities across the state can pursue major tourism, entertainment, retail, and other destination projects by leveraging a portion of future sales tax growth generated within a defined STAR bond district. (Public Act 104-0453)

What’s new and why it matters

• Expanded local authority: Counties and municipalities may establish STAR bond districts (including in eligible unincorporated areas).
• Project scale: District plans are evaluated against thresholds including $30M+ projected capital investment and $60M+ annual gross sales (with higher thresholds for NOVA districts).
• State coordination & approvals: District plans are submitted for joint consideration involving DCEO, IDOR, and GOMB, with final approval through the State process. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
• Key deadlines: Local governments must notify DCEO and IDOR of intent by June 1, 2026, and proposed district plans must be submitted by January 1, 2027.

To learn more or signal interest: Email: ceo.starbonds@illinois.gov and visit: https://dceo.illinois.gov/star-bonds. 

Federal Grant Support Program – Round 2

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)’s Federal Grant Support Program-Round 2 is open and will make $16.9 million available to Illinois-based proposals seeking competitive federal grants. This match program will encourage more applicants to apply for federal grant opportunities, provide critical assistance to meet the minimum match eligibility requirements, increase the competitiveness of applications, and provide the State of Illinois with an opportunity to make a firm commitment and demonstration of support for projects that are well aligned with the State’s economic development goals and priorities. For more information about the program, including links to the NOFO and application, visit this link.

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. 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.

• March 18, 2026 - Creating a GATA Registration: This training will show applicants how to create a GATA Grantee Portal Page and the different components of the GATA Portal.
• April 15, 2026 - Notice of Funding Opportunities: This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.
• May 20, 2026 - 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.
• June 17, 2026 - Overview of DCEO Programs: This training will give an overview of the Grant Program Offices at DCEO as well as our mission and background of the Agency
• July 15, 2026 - Risk Assessments: This training will cover the required Risk Assessments for Grantees including the Internal Control Questionnaire and Programmatic Risk Assessment.
• August 19, 2026 - Completing A Budget Application: This training will introduce the budget application and instructions on how to best complete the budget for application submission.
• September 16, 2026 - Reporting and Supporting Documentation: This training will explain the Periodic Performance Report and Periodic Financial Report, as well as appropriate supporting documents required for submission.
• October 21, 2026 - 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.
• November 18, 2026 - 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
• December 16, 2026 – Audits: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the submission process.

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)

• Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 - PLANNING -Rolling but final deadline is March 31, 2026.
• Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 – CAPITAL READY Rolling but final deadline is March 31, 2026.
• Manufacturing Training Academies: Applications due April 30, 2026.
• SBIR/STTR Match Program: Application due June 30, 2026
• Business Attraction Prime Sites: Application due June 30, 2026
• Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program: Applications are rolling
• CDBG Disaster Response Program: Applications are rolling
• Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program (CEJA): Applications are rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

IL Housing Blueprint: The Future of Housing in Illinois

The 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint, led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), will provide an analysis of the state of housing in Illinois, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which Illinois can improve the resiliency and equity of housing markets across the state. The Illinois Housing Blueprint will align diverse data sets with community input to determine how various factors interact across community types, including:

• Affordability and preservation
• Development costs
• Housing and aging
• Local implementation capacity
• Supportive housing

The Blueprint will provide a tool for municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders across the state to better understand how housing fits into the economic fabric of their region and to support targeted, community-specific policy and investment decisions.

We need your help to learn more about the housing needs and goals of your community. We invite all current residents of Illinois to take part in this planning process by completing this survey and providing valuable information about their experience and opinions of their community. Please share with your networks. We will use this important information to guide our planning process. The survey can be found here: https://arcg.is/1qPjKP1

Illinois EPA Driving A Cleaner Illinois

Illinois EPA is accepting applications to fund a portion of the eligible costs associated with the replacement (not repower) of existing eligible and licensed on-road diesel Class 4-8 medium- and heavy-duty local freight trucks (at least 14,001 lbs. GVWR) and Class 8 port drayage trucks (at least 33,001 lbs. GVWR). Each new replacement truck must be of the same type and class as the retired truck and be a licensed on-road all-electric Class 4-8 medium- and heavy-duty local freight truck or Class 8 port drayage truck (hereinafter “all-electric trucks” or “electric trucks”) located and operated in any of the three VW Priority Areas established in the Beneficial Mitigation Plan.

The types of trucks covered under this NOFO are those used to haul and deliver freight or cargo, including delivery/box trucks, waste haulers, Class 8 port drayage trucks, landscape trucks, dump trucks, and freight/transport trucks. If the existing diesel truck to be replaced and the proposed new electric truck is not routinely hauling any type of freight or cargo by design or actual use, it is ineligible for this NOFO. In addition to providing funding for new all-electric trucks, Illinois EPA will also fund a portion of necessary new Level 2 or DCFC charging equipment if charging infrastructure is needed.

Applicants may find the NOFO and all application materials on the Driving a Cleaner Illinois website and also at Illinois’ GATA webpage. Applicants must pre-qualify prior to application submission. The application period will remain  open  until  funds  are  depleted.  Applications  should  be  signed,  scanned  and  submitted to epa.vwgrants@illinois.gov.

The Illinois EPA will accept applications for eligible new all-electric trucks and any necessary charging infrastructure for the trucks requested in this application. From a business or government entity located in the following VW priority area and the eligible trucks will operate in the priority areas:

• Priority Area 1: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, Oswego Township in Kendall County, and Aux Sable and Goose Lake townships in Grundy County
• Priority Area 2: Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties
• Priority Area 3: Champaign, DeKalb, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Sangamon, and Winnebago counties.

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 note this grant program is for lead service line inventorying purposes only, and lead service line replacement costs are ineligible for this grant program.

Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program – EXTENDED!

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension to the current Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program application cycle from January 31, 2026, to May 31, 2026. Illinois EPA will process all applications received through January 31, 2026, including non-low income, given those individuals applied with the expectation that rebates would be processed at the end of the initial application cycle. After January 31,

2026, Illinois EPA will again prioritize low income applications as specified in the program requirements, which are available on the Illinois EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage. Updated forms and instructions to submit a rebate application are currently available on the webpage.

The Illinois General Assembly appropriated $14 million to the Illinois EPA for the current fiscal year (FY26), which ends on June 30, 2026. Current applications received represent a fraction of that funding. However, actual funding amounts will be determined by the amount of money available in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund.

Rebates will be issued to eligible individuals as funding is available.

As a reminder, program updates effective in FY26 include:

• Limits on the price of the vehicle: An eligible vehicle, as defined by the EV Rebate Act, is one with a selling price not exceeding $80,000 as shown on the bill of sale.
• Change to the rebate amount: The rebate is $2,000 for an eligible new or used electric vehicle. Low-income applicants are eligible to receive an additional $2,000 ($4,000 total rebate). The rebate amount for eligible motorcycles remains the same, $1,500 for all eligible applicants.
• Cap on the income of applicants: An “eligible applicant” is defined as “persons and families whose income does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty line for the current State fiscal year and who may not be claimed as a dependent.” The application materials will include a table on income eligibility.
• Change to the definition of low-income applicant: A “low-income applicant” is defined as “persons and families whose income does not exceed 80% of the regional or county median income for the current State fiscal year, as established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Illinois Income Limits by metropolitan area and county.” Median income can be found on the HUD website at Illinois Low Income Limits by County.
• Longer time to apply from the date of vehicle purchase: Applicants have 180 days from the date of purchase to apply (up from 90 days previously). Applications must be submitted during an open application period.

Full eligibility requirements are found in the EV Rebate Act and associated Illinois EPA program rules. Questions about the EV Rebate Program may be submitted to EPA.EV@Illinois.gov.

Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance

As part of the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, the State of Illinois maintains a “Catalog of State Financial Assistance” (CSFA). It includes information on state agencies that have active grant programs, a list of active grant programs, and a list of current funding opportunities. It also includes a link to subscribe to a weekly mailing list of new opportunities. For more information, click this link.

Helpful Resources

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
• 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 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:

• DCEO Grants
• Video Training & Resources Library Video Training & Resources (illinois.gov)

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 equity and inclusion throughout its workforce. CEI’s reach into state hiring and contracting is expensive 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 in increasing their capacity, growing revenue, and enhancing 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 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 view and apply for these jobs, please click this link.

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