Northeast Region Weekly Update

September 22, 2025

Illinois is honored to celebrate our diverse Latino and Hispanic communities in observation of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th through October 15th. During this month-long celebration, DCEO will be hosting a series of events, including an Office Hour Roadshow to meet with members of the Latino businesses across the state. Through a monthlong social media campaign, DCEO will also highlight Latino community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises throughout the state.

Hispanic Heritage Month Open Office Hours Roadshow

During the monthlong celebration, DCEO will be hosting open office hours in person and virtually. Join us for free office hours designated to support your business growth or kick-start your business! Connect with funding opportunities, obtain resources, and get personalized guidance from our team to support your business. Register for an event in your area below. If you prefer to meet virtually, contact Diana Alfaro, Latinx Business Development Manager, at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.

Joliet hosted by Joliet Latino Economic Development Association (LEDA)
Tuesday | September 23, 2025 | 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm
310 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432

Rockford hosted by Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Thursday | September 25, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4855 E State St, Suite 21, Rockford, IL 61108

Fairmont City hosted by the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at SIUE
Wednesday | October 1, 2025 | 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Fairmont City Library, 4444 Collinsville Rd., Fairmont City, IL 62201

Springfield hosted by the Illinois Migrant Council
Thursday | October 2, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL 62715

Aurora hosted by Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Thursday | October 9, 2025 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
105 E Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60505 (3rd floor)

In the link below, you will find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and ideas on how to celebrate and promote Support Latino Business Day as well as Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month!

Toolkit, click HERE or para español haga clic Aquí

Business & Community Resources

• DCEO OE3 Newsletter – DCEO OE3’s monthly newsletter shares business resources including grants, loans, and other helpful resources for businesses
• First Stop Business Information Center – Provides comprehensive information and technical support to businesses with questions and concerns about mitigations, government regulations and business assistance programs. First Stop can be reached at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.firststop@illinois.gov.
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – They are centers located across the state that provide no cost business counseling. They can assist you with a business plan, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, how to start a business, how to grow your business, etc. Here is more info on SBDCs: Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - First Stop. To find one near you go here: https://viewer.blipstar.com/blipstar?uid=5161672.
  • Please note, there are some SBDCs that do provide Spanish assistance. If you need help finding a SBDC that provides assistance in Spanish, please contact Diana Alfaro, diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.
• Apex Accelerator (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTACs)) - They provide at no cost assistance to businesses who want to get into the world of government contracting and assist with certifications like getting certified as minority/Latino/a/e/x or Hispanic owned. For more information, please click HERE. To find one near you, please click HERE.
• Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) - The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is a non-regulatory program which provides free, confidential assistance to Illinois small businesses to help them succeed. Services include a toll-free helpline 1-800-252-3998 for confidential regulatory questions.
• Incentives and Tax Assistance - Illinois offers a competitive range of incentives for locating and expanding your business, including tax credits and exemptions that encourage business growth and job creation.
• Visit illinoisimmigrationinfo.org for immigration rights resources and information.

Follow @IllinoisDCEO on all social media to learn more about ongoing resources and programs for businesses.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month and Support Latino Business Day events planned for businesses, contact Diana Alfaro, the Latinx Business Development Manager, at Diana.Alfaro@Illinois.gov

Illinois INVENT

The Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT) is a $114 million direct equity capital program funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

DCEO is committed to ensuring opportunities for founders and communities that have faced barriers to accessing capital. The funds are expected to provide small businesses with the resources they need to sustainably grow and thrive, and to improve access to capital for traditionally underserved entrepreneurs. INVENT is dedicated to ensuring that it supports investments in very small businesses (fewer than 10 employees); Capital Disadvantaged Business (CDB) owners and businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI); and businesses in industries aligned with the state's key sectors in our economic development plan. Visit SEDI and CDB and Key Sectors for additional information. Illinois has a rich network of resources and leading research institutions committed to innovation. Through INVENT, we will help entrepreneurs leverage resources available to build successful businesses that will create jobs, grow our state’s economy, and serve as a catalyst for innovation that will make an impact in our communities and society at large.

INVENT will host a virtual Information Session monthly as an opportunity to learn and ask questions about our program. This webinar is for potential investees, private capital investors, and individuals who are interested in learning more about INVENT.

Next Session: Tuesday, September 23 | 1:00 PM Registration Link

Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Round 2

 The Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Program will provide grants for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores, or not-for-profit grocery stores. While the Illinois Grocery Initiative is intended to reduce or eliminate the existence of "food deserts" in Illinois and will prioritize stores located in food deserts, the Equipment Upgrades Program is not limited to establishments located in food deserts. These grants are intended, however, to facilitate energy-efficient equipment investment and sustainability for stores located in food deserts, areas that could become food deserts, and other areas that are underserved to a lesser degree. These grants will reimburse costs for the purchase and installation of new energy-efficient equipment. Certain costs, including investment in solar generation equipment and remodeling, are ineligible for this program. The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program, insofar the equipment will result in energy efficiency improvements: heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; and lighting systems. Cost sharing or Matching is required for this opportunity. Applicants are required to provide 25% of the total project costs, representing a 1:3 match. These matching funds can come from any nonstate sources such as local municipal funds, federal funds, or private investment. Such sources of funds shall be identified and documented in the application.  To review the NOFO and application information click here Application deadline is December 15, 2025.

DCEO Office of Energy & Business Utility

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

• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program - $25.5 million total award funding
• Anticipated Awards: 40 awards
• Award Range: $250,000 - $1,000,000
• Eligible Applicants: Equity Eligible Contractor; Business, Non-profit, Cooperative Organization that meets equity building criteria.
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Program focus: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects benefitting businesses, community organizations, and the workforce in Illinois, with a specific focus on historically disadvantaged communities.
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program - $8.5 million total award funding
• Anticipated Awards: 40 awards
• Award Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
• Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, public entities, and technical service providers in partnership with community-based organizations.
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
• Program focus: Provides pre-development funding to support the development of programs and entities to assist in the long-term governance, management, and maintenance of community solar projects, such as community solar cooperatives.

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

Office of Accountability

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

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

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

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

• October 15, 2025 – Capital Grants: This training will explain what a capital grant is, requirements and eligibility for capital grants, application documents, and an overview of the grant lifecycle.
• November 19, 2025 – Notice of Funding Opportunities: (NOFOs) This training will explain what a Notice of Funding Opportunity is and give a breakdown of the template and where to find information.
• December 17, 2025 – Audits: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention.

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

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

• Clean Energy Career Pathway Program: Applications due September 30, 2025
• Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2): Applications due December 15, 2025
• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program: Applications due December 31, 2025
• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Program: Applications due December 31, 2025
• 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
• Illinois Reproductive Grant Expansion Program: Applications are rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

IDOT Safe Routes to School Program

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced the 2025 Safe Routes to School program will begin accepting applications from August 1 through October 13. Safe Routes to School has three main goals: enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; to make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and to facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity (within 2 miles) of primary, middle, and high schools (grades K-12).

For complete information about this IDOT opportunity, visit this link.

For more information about IDOT’s Small Business Enterprises workshop schedule, visit this link.

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 eligible existing 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.

For a complete list of current IEPA funding opportunities, visit this link

Illinois EPA Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities

The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) Program funds projects to construct green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that prevent, eliminate, or reduce stormwater runoff into Illinois' rivers, streams, and lakes. Projects that implement treatment trains (multiple BMPs in a series) and/or multiple BMPs within the same watershed may be more effective and efficient than a single large green infrastructure BMP.

The GIGO NOFO is now open and accepting applications through November 5, 2025.

For GIGO, green infrastructure means any stormwater management technique or practice employed with the primary goal to preserve, restore, mimic, or enhance natural hydrology. Green Infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, methods of using soil and vegetation to promote soil percolation, evapotranspiration, and filtering or the harvesting and reuse of precipitation.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, localized and riverine flooding will likely become more frequent. Localized flooding happens when rainfall overwhelms the capacity of the urban drainage systems, while riverine flooding happens when river flows exceed the capacity of a river channel. By reducing stormwater runoff in urban areas, detaining water away from impacted areas, and reconnecting streams to their floodplains, GIGO can improve water quality through the reduction of the number and duration of both localized and riverine flood events.

For more information on the GIGO program and how to apply, visit this link. For more information on ALL Illinois Environmental Protection Agency funding opportunities, visit this link.

Illinois EPA Unsewered Communities Planning Grants

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

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

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

Illinois EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant

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

Illinois DNR Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD)

Illinois Department of Natural Resources has opened the FY 2026 OSLAD grant application process, and the deadline is September 30, 2025.  The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots to large community and county parks and nature areas. The state program is financed by a percentage of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax. OSLAD grants are available to units of local government that are authorized by Illinois law to expend public funds for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor park, recreation, or conservation purposes.  School districts are not eligible.

Example of Eligible Projects include: Acquisition of land for new park sites or expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation.

Development/Renovation of:

        Picnic and playground facilities;

        Outdoor nature interpretive facilities;

        Sports courts and play fields;

        Swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses;

        Campgrounds and fishing piers;

        winter sports facilities;

        Park roads and paths, parking, utilities and restrooms

        Architectural/engineering (A/E) services necessary for proper design and construction of approved project components.

There are now five grantee pre-award requirements statewide per Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) State Statute 30 ILCS 708/1. The five pre-award requirements all state grantees must complete are described in more detail. For more information about OSLAD including NOFO and application procedures, visit this link.

Helpful Resources

Grant Help Desk Resources

DCEO Office of Accountability

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

Email Us:

ceo.granthelp@illinois.gov

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

Visit Our Website:

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

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

Grant Accountability and Transparency (GATA)

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

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

State of Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion

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

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and competitive business environment that will support underrepresented businesses 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 apply for these jobs, please go to the Work4Illinois website and use the search function to find the positions for DCEO.

• Northeast Regional Manager – Closing Date 9/29/25
• EDGE Program Manager – Closing Date 10/2/25
• Operations Assistant - Closing Date 9/22/25
• Assistant Chief Financial Officer – Closing Date 10/1/25
• Workforce Reporting, Performance Unit Manager – Closing Date 9/29/25
• Deputy Director of Human Resources – Closing Date 9/21/25
• Grant Manager Team A – Closing Date 9/22/25
• APEX Accelerator Program Manager – 9/30/25
• Administrative Assistant – 9/23/25
• Multi-Family Engineer Lead – 9/26/25

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