Northeast Region Weekly Update

December 15, 2025

High Impact Opportunity Zones in Illinois

December 16 | 10 AM CT | REGISTER

The federal Opportunity Zones program has rapidly grown into the largest federal community development incentive program in a generation. Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool that encourages investment in distressed areas that usually cannot attract new business, capital developments, or other social investments. Opportunity Zones (established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and made permanent in the OBBBA) allow investors to have significant tax benefits. Increasing incentives for investment in communities in need allows for economic growth and job creation. If done properly with community-driven workforce initiatives, households can increase their income and quality of life.

Economic Innovation Group (EIG) has just published OZs 2.0 Guidance for Governors and Mayors: A Playbook for High-Impact Designations. The guide aims to give state and local officials the clarity and confidence they need to make informed selections for the next round of Opportunity Zone census tracts.

Join Illinois Extension to learn about the specific principles that define successful OZ designation strategies, as well as considerations on how to increase the quantity, quality, and committed capital for Illinois' low-income communities.

Job Training Economic Development Program – Round 3

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

“Illinois’ unmatched workforce represents the heart and soul of our economy, and my administration is focused on uplifting every Illinoisan who faces barriers to employment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With this new round of investment, our Job Training and Economic Development Program is supporting key industries while giving Illinoisans the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.”

In the third round of the program, JTED will address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority populations include immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, and rural residents.

“Our workforce is the foundation of Illinois’ economic strength. As our economy expands and new industries take root, we have a responsibility to make sure our people share in that success,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “These grants will not only provide training and essential services for people looking for employment—they will fuel local economies, support families, and help entire communities thrive.”

The State’s JTED model boosts access to education, training and support services needed for vulnerable residents to successfully re-enter the labor force. Additionally, JTED offers flexible funding through barrier reduction services for individuals that have emergency costs for basic needs.

“The State of Illinois is committed to helping the communities that need it most, and the JTED program is a prime example of success in this endeavor,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Underemployed, unemployed, and underrepresented Illinoisans will continue to benefit from the third round of JTED grant funding that will equip them with essential workforce training and wrap-around services.”

Eligible applicants include employers, private nonprofit organizations, federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act administrative entities, community action agencies, industry associations, and public or private educational institutions that have demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in administering workforce development programs.

Through a competitive NOFO, qualified entities can apply for grants from $250,000 to $750,000. Applications will be accepted until January 16, 2026.  To view 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.

To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding multiple technical assistance webinars and office hours throughout December 2025 and January 2026 via Zoom:

• December 9 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
• January 6 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
• January 13 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
• January 16 at 9 a.m.: NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours

Through the first two rounds of the JTED program, the State of Illinois has invested $35 million across 77 grants awarded to community-based organizations, supporting more than 4,700 unemployed, underemployed, and underrepresented Illinoisans. Additionally, JTED provided support to 5,600 high school youth to train for careers in advanced manufacturing.

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 was held on November 3, and a 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.

Get Covered Illinois – NEW  Health Insurance Marketplace

Illinois is moving from HealthCare.gov to a state-based marketplace, where you can apply for financial help and enroll in 2026 health coverage.  The Open Enrollment period is officially here! Now’s the time to shop, compare, and enroll in quality, affordable health coverage for 2026.

Get Covered Illinois is here to help you find affordable health and dental coverage. You can compare plans, check costs, and see if you qualify for savings at GetCoveredIllinois.gov. Open enrollment is November 1 – January 15; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

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.

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. 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.

• 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)

• 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
• Job Training Economic Development Program – Round 3: Applications due January 16, 2026
• Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 - PLANNING 
• Regional Site Readiness Program Round 2 – CAPITAL READY
• 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

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 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 Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

The Illinois EPA will open the next EV Rebate Program funding round is now open! The funding round will run until January 31, 2026. There have been numerous changes to the rebate program; review changes on our EV Rebate website to determine if you are eligible to apply for the rebate.

The application and instructions are now available on the Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate website. Applications will not be accepted or reviewed if mailed/postmarked prior to October 28, 2025. Funding for the round is limited and low-income applicants are given priority for rebates.

Illinois residents that purchase a new or used all-electric vehicle from an Illinois licensed dealer, meet all other eligibility requirements, and apply during a rebate cycle will be eligible for a rebate. Applicants that certify as low income are given an enhanced rebate and priority in disbursement.

EV rebates are subject to the availability of funds for each cycle. The Illinois General Assembly has appropriated $14 million to Illinois EPA for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2026. Actual funding amounts will be determined by the amount of money available in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund, not to exceed $14 million.

Applicants must apply during the rebate cycle window and within 180 days of purchase of the vehicle. The application and instructions will be available shortly before the opening of the rebate cycle on the Illinois EPA’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program webpage.

Eligibility requirements for an EV rebate in Illinois include, but are not limited to:

• The vehicle must be a new or used all-electric vehicle and legally permitted to drive on all public roadways, including interstate highways.
• The selling price of the vehicle cannot exceed $80,000, not including state and local taxes, license and registration fees, documentary service fees, and aftermarket products, if itemized separately on the bill of sale.
• The vehicle must be purchased from a dealership licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State and be the owner of the vehicle at the time the rebate is issued. Rented or leased vehicles, vehicles purchased from an out-of-state dealership, and vehicles delivered to or received by the purchaser out-of-state are not eligible for a rebate under the Act.
• A rebate cannot have been previously issued for the vehicle that is the subject of the application. The Illinois EPA uses the vehicle VIN number to track issued rebates. A searchable list of vehicle identification numbers for vehicles that have received a rebate under the Act is below.
• The applicant must reside in Illinois, both at the time the vehicle was purchased and at the time the rebate is issued.
• The applicant must not have received a rebate under the Act in the 10 years prior to the date an application is received by the Agency.
• The applicant’s family income cannot exceed 500% of the federal poverty line for the current State fiscal year.
• The applicant must apply for the rebate within 180 days of the vehicle purchase date and provide and certify to all of the information specified in the application. The application must be postmarked during an open rebate application cycle.
• The purchaser must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 12 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase date. The purchaser must register the vehicle in Illinois during that time frame.
• Only individuals can receive a rebate. Businesses, government units, organizations, and other entities that are not individuals that submit an application will be denied.
• The rebate amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.

Applicants will need to submit the following along with the information contained in the rebate application:

• Copy of the bill of sale, purchase invoice, or purchase agreement from an Illinois dealership;
• Documentation of proof of purchase, such as a copy of a canceled check, an invoice or bill showing that the applicable amount has been paid or that no remaining balance exists, or loan documents
• Copy of the Illinois vehicle registration or temporary permit provided by the dealership at the time of sale/delivery; and
• IRS W-9 or W-8 form

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 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 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