Arab American Heritage Month

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. Throughout April, DCEO, through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Office of Regional Economic Development (RED) will be hosting events, spotlighting Arab American businesses across the state, showcasing our continued commitment to growing and investing in Arab American businesses, and celebrating the leadership of our Arab American staff.

IMPORTANT FACT

Illinois is the first state to recognize the racial classification of Middle Eastern or North African for state data collection purposes.

EVENTS

Arab American Network and Resource Fair

Wednesday, April 25, 2024 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM | in-person

Business Conference Center Building M at Moraine Valley Community College

9000 W College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465 Palos Hills, IL

Presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - Office of Minority Economic Empowerment and the SBDC at ABPA. This event promises to be an exciting and informative occasion!

RESOURCES

Need One-on-One Technical Assistance? 

The Arab American Business & Professional Association (ABPA) hosts a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and provides no-cost assistance to small businesses. Please note, that ABPA SBDC can assist in Arabic, if needed. Below are some of the services provided at no cost:

• One-on-one business advice and management assistance.
• Assistance with the development of business plans.
• Help with accessing market information and the development of marketing plans.
• Assistance with accessing business financing programs.
• Access to business education and training opportunities.
• And much more.

If you want to make an appointment with the ABPA SBDC, please contact Rush Darwish at rush@abpaillinois.com or 708-738-7957.

Need Information on Financial Resources including Business Grants?

Sign up for the DCEO-OMEE newsletter and we will be sure to email you at least once a month on business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for your business.

For more information on Arab American Heritage Month events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro, Business Development Manager, at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov or to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses, follow DCEO on social media @IllinoisDCEO.

In-person Grant Training Session Workshop

DCEO.RED Join DCEO’s Office of Accountability and Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) for an in-person training session to learn how to apply for state funding and the preparations for receiving a grant. Learn where to find grant opportunities and understand the requirements by participating on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 from 11-12:30PM CST at Innovate Springfield 15 S Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL 62701. Registration is required. Please reserve your spot by emailing Belynda Allen belynda.allen@illinois.gov

Virtual Grant Training Session Workshop

Join DCEO’s Office of Accountability and Office of Regional Economic Development (Team RED) for a virtual training session to learn how to apply for state funding and the preparations for receiving a grant. Learn where to find grant opportunities and understand the requirements by participating on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 from 1:30-3:00PM CST. To register, please visit: https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r704b9d947e009c1a1943f88c65dbd707 Questions pertaining to the event can be emailed to Belynda Allen belynda.allen@illinois.gov

Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant 

Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined food justice advocates and local stakeholders to announce a new grant program from the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The New Stores in Food Deserts Program will offer competitive grants to encourage the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. Paired with the Equipment Upgrades Program, the initiatives are a $20 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in Illinois.

Awards can range between $160K to $2.4M, with a 1:3 match requirement from businesses. Requirements for grocery locations include:

• Must be located in a food desert,
• Must earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales,
• Must accept SNAP and WIC, and
• Must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in community.

Qualified entities include units of local government and independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery locations. New Stores in Food Deserts grants will fund construction and renovation costs for new stores, as well as many first-year operations costs, such as employee wages, utility costs, initial inventory of food, and more.

The first grant program, the previously announced Equipment Upgrades Program, provides grants for energy-efficient equipment upgrades in grocery stores to prevent closures. In order to support businesses most in need, $3.5M in grant funding will be awarded to chosen applicants: eligible independent-owned grocers with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery stores. Applications for the first round of this funding are now closed and in review.

To view the competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website here . Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a technical assistance webinar at 1:30 p.m. on April 17 and at 10:30 a.m. on April 23. Registration link here Application deadline May 24, 2024.

(in Spanish) Iniciativa para Tiendas de Comida en Illinois: Programa para Nuevas Tiendas en Áreas con Recursos Limitados

martes | 23 de abril de 2024 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Regístrese aquí 

Este seminario web es sobre un programa de subvención para ayudar nuevas tiendas de comida en Illinois en áreas con recursos limitados. Vamos habla sobre quien califica, que necesitan para aplicar, y más.

CEJA Updates

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) would like to share important updates about the CEJA Clean Jobs Workforce Network (Workforce Hub) Program and the CEJA Energy Transition Navigator Program.   Grant negotiations are underway to fund organizations to serve approximately half of the 13 hub regions for both programs, and DCEO expects to announce awards in April. A second round of applications are currently in review.

• Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program. At this time, DCEO is still accepting applications from organizations seeking to serve the Danville hub region.
• Energy Transition Navigator Program. At this time, DCEO is still accepting applications from organizations seeking to serve the Champaign, Danville, and East St. Louis hub regions.

Applications for these target regions will be accepted on a rolling, first come, first served basis through June 30, 2024 or until all of the funds that are earmarked for this NOFO are awarded. Please note that applications that were received by the February 23, 2024 second round deadline will be reviewed and awarded before applications that were submitted after this time.

Get Technical Assistance

Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of technical assistance to improve the quality of their applications.

Request one-on-one technical assistance by completing this form.

Review recordings of information sessions, located at the bottom of the NOFO websites for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Energy Transition Navigator Program.

Review answers to questions about these funding opportunities and submit additional questions to ceo.ceja@illinois.gov.

Open CEJA Funding Opportunities 

The following CEJA programs are also accepting applications.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program 

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $9 million in funding for the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator 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 Primes Accelerator Program is designed to increase business opportunities for clean energy contractors that serve areas impacted by economic, social, and environmental challenges. The organizations that will serve as the Primes Program Leads to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov  for application assistance.

Through the competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $1 million to $3 million to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program in each region. Applications will be accepted until July 2, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The Primes Accelerators will provide a variety of services to a cohort of contractor and clean energy small businesses, helping them grow their businesses and take advantage of opportunities such as bidding on projects, applying for grants and loans, becoming approved vendors, getting certified, and more. Participant businesses will be selected based on criteria that includes experience, business revenue, and demonstrated relationships with equity investment eligible individuals, businesses, and communities.

The Primes Accelerators services will be offered in the three geographic areas designated by statute: Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The Department anticipates selecting one Primes Program Lead for each area.  Qualified entities that can apply to be a Primes Program Lead include organizations that have experience providing business-related assistance, knowledge of the construction and clean energy trades, have a record of effectively serving diverse populations, and have established relationships within the local area.

The Primes Accelerator Program is one of several contractor, workforce, and community support programs established by the landmark CEJA legislation intended to move Illinois to a 100% carbon-free future. Under CEJA, DCEO will administer $180 million per year in workforce and community support programs designed to build Illinois’ clean energy economy and prepare the state’s workforce and communities for the jobs of the future.

Illinois Works Bid Credit Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that contractors can now apply for the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. The program is part of the state’s multipronged effort to increase equity and opportunity in capital construction jobs through the Illinois Works (ILW) Jobs Program.  The Illinois Works Bid Credit Program is designed for contractors working on or interested in working on State of Illinois-funded capital projects. The program offers eligible contractors the opportunity to earn bid credits by hiring and retaining Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates.

Bid credits are virtual dollars contractors can earn when they hire and retain an ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduate who is enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program (DOL RAP) and works on both state-funded capital projects or any construction project. Once these bid credits are earned, contractors can submit the credits to bid on future state-funded public works projects. Eligible contactors can request ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduates from DCEO’s Illinois Works Career Services Team using the Illinois Works Employer Form. The Illinois Works Career Services Team will identify program graduates who meet contractor needs and requirements.

Through the ILW Bid Credit Program, contractors can earn up to six years of bid credits for each hired and retained ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program graduate, depending on their trade of choice. This will increase contractors' competitiveness when submitting future bids for state capital projects. This program also allows contractors to pool their bid credits with other contractors to strengthen their bids.

Enrolling in this program gives contractors access to the various skilled and certified graduates of the ILW Pre-apprenticeship Program. Besides being eligible to generate bid credits through the Bid Credit Program for contractors that hire them, graduates will also help contractors maintain compliance with state apprenticeship requirements, which includes the 10% apprenticeship goal of the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative. 

To view application information and apply for the Bid Credit Program, please visit the DCEO website.

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.

Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness and is an extension of the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

The goal of the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot is to support individuals experiencing homelessness by improving employment opportunities, helping them establish financial stability and improving their ability to afford permanent housing in their community. The program is an essential part of the JTED Program. The JTED Program was created to provide workforce training and wrap-around services to bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible applicants must be the lead entity of the Continuum of Care (COC) organizations, or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) administrative entities that have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs [20 ILCS 605/605-415(b)]. The program will be implemented in areas throughout the state that connect people who are experiencing homelessness to employment and that demonstrate systemic coordination of the homeless response system and workforce system. The JTED program regulations require that services be provided to the “target population,” defined as persons who are unemployed, underemployed, or underrepresented that have one or more barriers to employment.

Eligible entities can apply for grants up to $2 million. Applications will be accepted until May 3, 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.

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? Sign up here

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. Future topics offerings include:

• 5/15/24 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.
• 6/19/24 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.
• 7/17/24 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.

Illinois Broadband Lab Digital Equity and Broadband Summit May 8-10 in Chicago

The Illinois Broadband Lab, in partnership with the National Digital Inclusions Alliance (NDIA), will convene leaders, communities, organizations and businesses from across the region to work together on building our connected future.

Illinois stands to gain more than $1 billion in federal broadband funding over the next five years, on top of significant state investments. Summit participants will have the chance to collaborate with peers and learn from experts and each other about how to make sure this record investment leads to sustainable economic opportunity for all communities. Register Here

Who should attend?

• Digital equity practitioners
• Digital navigators
• Internet service providers
• Local governments
• Researchers and students
• Community anchor institutions—such as libraries, schools, health organizations, and public housing
• Organizations serving returning residents, older adults, veterans, low-income families, and more
• Residents impacted by the digital divide, or looking to get involved!

Visit broadband.uillinois.edu/summit for details!

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:

Tourism Incentive Grant Click here Deadline May 1, 2024

Illinois Grocery Initiative – New Stores in Food Deserts Click here Deadline May 24, 2024

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

Illinois Energy Transition Navigators (CEJA) Click here Deadline June 30, 2024

Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network (CEJA) 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

Illinois Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program Click here Deadline July 2, 2024

CDBG Coronavirus Urban Shelter Program Click here Deadline July 31, 2024

Quality Jobs Program Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

JTED Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Click here Deadline December 31, 2024

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

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program 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

Center for Urban and Rural Environmental Sustainability (CURES) Conference

Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast - CURES Sessions Begin at 10:30 AM (see CURES agenda below)

Location: University of Illinois Springfield Campus

No Registration Fee

The CURES Conference will focus on water, energy, and sustainability projects for local communities. Hear updates on federal and state funding programs, the availability of technical assistance for water projects, shared experiences from other localities, and options for promoting sustainability within your community.

The CURES Conference is held in conjunction with the CSPL-IGPA Policy Summit. CURES Conference attendees are welcome to attend the Policy Summit breakfast and opening panel discussion. Separate registration for the Policy Summit is not required.). State Senator Doris Turner and State Representative Mike Coffey will join us for the panel discussion, followed by breakout sessions. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided. Lunch will feature a keynote address from Heidi Mueller, Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Click here to register for the CURES Conference.

*Reimbursement Options for Local Government Attendees*

Local government attendees may be eligible for reimbursement of transportation and lodging expenses, subject to reimbursement policies and availability of funds. Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to request assistance.

Event Schedule:

8:00 am - Registration and Breakfast (Student Union Ballroom)
9:15 am - Policy Summit Panel Discussion (Student Union Ballroom)
10:30 am - CURES Conference Morning Session (Public Affairs Center, Community Room 160)
12:00 pm - Lunch and Policy Summit Keynote (Student Union Ballroom)
1:30 pm and 3:15 pm - CURES Conference Afternoon Sessions (Public Affairs Center, Community Room 160)

CURES Session Agenda is below. Visit the Events Agenda page to find the planned schedules and session details for both the CURES Conference and the Policy Summit.

If you have any questions, please contact Beverly Bunch at bbunc1@uis.edu. 

Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation Green Drives Conference & Expo

The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation is hosting the Green Drives Conference & Expo on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Alsip, Illinois. This event is one of the largest clean-transportation conferences held in the Midwest and focuses on using cleaner fuels while lowering fleet costs at the same time. Advanced vehicle technologies, electric vehicles, and alternative fuels will be showcased, including dozens of green vehicles and exhibitors. Attendees will not only have a chance to network with experts from throughout the nation and the region, but will also learn of first-hand experiences from fleets currently using alternative fuels and electric vehicles. For more information, see here: https://il-act.org/green-drives-2024/.

Commission on Equity and Inclusion Business Enterprise Program and Veterans Business Program Certification Educational Webinar Series

The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) announces its new Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP) Certification Educational Webinar series, in collaboration with Chief Procurement Offices (CPOs).  As the State's foremost authority on promoting supplier diversity, equity, and inclusion, CEI is committed to providing beneficial training resources to support underrepresented businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans and increase their capacity, grow their revenue, and enhance their credentials.

Each virtual webinar will provide practical insights regarding the benefits of being certified with the State of Illinois, contract bid opportunities and resources, and step-by-step guidance to complete the BEP and VBP certification applications successfully. Participants will also be able to engage with CEI certification analysts and have their questions answered during the Q&A segment.

BEP and VBP Certification Educational Webinars

• April 24th at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

• May 22nd at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

For more information contact Nikita Richards, (312) 590.0885 or email nikita.richards@illinois.gov

IEPA Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced Round Two of grants available to fund the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at publicly accessible locations. This opportunity is funded by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan and authorized under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The Notice of Funding Opportunity and related documents have been posted to the Illinois EPA website.

Each application must include a minimum of two publicly accessible charging station locations. See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for funding amounts, power levels, and number of charging ports per location.

Additional points will be awarded to projects at a charging station location in an area identified as an Equity Investment Eligible Community through the EIEC mapping tool. Communities qualify for the additional points if they are in an EJ and/or an R3 Community, as identified using the EIEC mapping tool. Applicants will also receive additional points for applying to build chargers at public transportation park-and-ride facilities.

Eligible applicants include units of local government and private organizations (including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies) that are incorporated under Illinois law and registered and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Eligible applicants must be the owner of a proposed charging station location and/or the owner of the proposed charging station. Both Level 3 DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging ports are eligible for funding.

All required forms and information can be found on the Driving A Cleaner Illinois webpage: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/air-quality/driving-a-cleaner-illinois.html. Applications for the Driving a Cleaner Illinois – Climate and Equitable Jobs Act EV Charging NOFO will be accepted March 22, 2024, through 5:00 PM (CST) on May 10, 2024. IEPA expects to announce Round One awardees in the coming weeks. All applicants must pre-qualify and apply through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

Illinois EPA also encourages interested eligible applicants to consider the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program funding opportunity, if their location is one that qualifies for NEVI funding. For more on that program: https://idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/environment/drive-electric.html

IEPA Residential Sharps Collection Program

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced an additional funding opportunity to provide grants to units of local government to conduct household waste collection and disposal of sharps for their residents. Sharps, including needles, syringes, and lancets, collected from private citizens are a household waste. Through the grant program, Illinois EPA will reimburse grantees that operate a sharps collection station as defined in Section 3.458 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted Illinois EPA website.

Grant funding of up to $35,000 per applicant is available to cover expenses incurred in collecting, storing, and disposing of used sharps. Eligible expenses include costs to obtain collection containers for use by individual residents, collection receptacles to store sharps at the sharps collection station, mobilization fees assessed by a permitted Potentially Infectious Medical Waste (PIMW) transporter to pick-up collected sharps, and disposal fees for the collected sharp. All required forms and information can be found at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/medication-disposal/sharps/residential-sharps-collection-program.html.

Applications for the Residential Sharps Collection Program will be accepted until funding is expended or June 30, 2025. Applicants may not apply for a grant until they are pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal

IEPA Watershed Management Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Director John J. Kim announced a total of $4.75 million in funding through the release of two Section 319(h) Grant Program Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to address nonpoint source pollution. Illinois EPA is seeking proposals for watershed-based planning projects and watershed-based plan implementation projects to prevent, eliminate, or reduce water quality impairments to Illinois’ surface and groundwater resources.  Nonpoint source pollution is the result of rain or snowmelt carrying natural and human-made pollutants and depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. It is estimated that over 60 percent of water pollution issues nationwide can be traced to nonpoint sources.

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 $4.75 million will be split, with up to $750,000 in funding anticipated to fund two (2) to four (4) watershed-based planning projects, and up to $4 million to fund 12 to 15 watershed-based plan implementation projects. These grants are available to units of local government and other organizations to protect surface and groundwater quality in rural and urban areas in Illinois. Section 319 funds can be used for the development, update, and implementation of watershed-based management plans, including the development of information and education programs and the installation of best management practices.

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 March 13, 2024 through 12:00 PM (CST) on May 1, 2024. Applicants must apply through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

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 next webinar in the EmpowerBiz series include:

• Strategic Resources for Business Growth - 2 to 3 PM on Wed., May 15, 2024

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) 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 April 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.

April workshop dates and topics:

• April 23, 10 a.m. to noon: Daily Documentation and Diary
• April 25, 10 a.m. to noon: Scheduling the Work
• April 30, 10 a.m. to noon: IDOT EPAS Systems: Consultant Prequalification and Statements of Interest

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.

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 4/22/24

Accountant Advanced -Office of Employment and Training – Sangamon County

Posting closing 4/30/24

Data Centers Program Manager (PSA, OPT 1) – Office of Business Development – Cook County

Contract Manager (PSA, OPT 1) – Office of Procurement – Sangamon County

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