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SCAM ALERT: DCEO has been made aware of organizations receiving fraudulent “notice of award” letters claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. These are not legitimate notices from DCEO. If your organization receives a notice, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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DCEO Grant Opportunities

Grant ​Description
Workforce Training Support Program Application Deadline: March 19, 2026:  The Workforce Training Support program will assist community employers in the training and retaining of our skilled workforce. It is without question a challenge for almost every manufacturer to obtain the necessary assistance to include financial support to provide the required training for their workforce. Structured educational programs designed to equip employees working in a manufacturing setting with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and safely, including technical abilities, equipment operation, efficient process understanding, and adherence to safety protocols allows them to contribute productively on the production floor. In short, workforce training programs help Illinois manufacturers provide their workers with the skills necessary to be safe and productive, as well as grow our Illinois based businesses. This Illinois manufacturing program will supplement the Employer Training Investment Program in place.
Manufacturing Training Academies Application Deadline: April 30, 2026: Capital grants provided through this opportunity will support the creation of Manufacturing Training Academies located at community colleges in the state. Manufacturing Training Academies provide education and training enabling students to get hired and to advance in occupations associated with priority sectors identified in the most recent Illinois Economic Plan (https://dceo.illinois.gov/econplan2024.html). In order to maximize the effectiveness of this investment, the applicant must demonstrate that workforce training will be aligned with the needs of with regional industry leaders.
SBIR/STTR Match Program Application Deadline: June 30, 2026: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive federal grant programs that provide funding opportunities for small businesses to perform research and development (R&D) on technology of interest to federal agencies. Both projects provide funding to explore the potential of high-tech products and encourage commercialization of those products.

This program would provide a state match to companies that have received awards through the SBIR and STTR grant programs.
Business Attraction Prime Sites Application Deadline: June 30, 2027: The intent of this program is to assist companies with large-scale capital investment projects that commit to significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois.  Business Attraction Prime Sites grants can encompass a wide range of economic development projects and may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases that will result in job creation in the state of Illinois.
Small Business Development Centers Application Deadline: Rolling:  The Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) located throughout the state provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources to start-up and existing small businesses. In addition, the Illinois SBDCs help clients with securing needed business capital, marketing, exporting, commercialization of new ideas, development of innovative products and services. Client projects range from early-stage, pre-revenue concepts to established business operations.
Future Energy Job Act Multi-Cultural Application Deadline: Rolling:  The Multi-Cultural Jobs Programs supports community-based, diversity focused organizations that strive to provide participants with development, economic or career-related opportunities within the clean energy sector. Grants will support services the Economic Development Regions that are environmental justice communities and/or underrepresented populations living in communities that are eligible to receive workforce services.
ETIP - Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant NOFO Posting Application Deadline: Rolling:  The ETIP Program aims to enhance employment opportunities for Illinois citizens by assisting Illinois employers in upgrading the technological skills of their workforce and introducing efficient business practices, allowing them to be more efficient and competitive and expand their market shares. The training and upgraded skills will help facilitate increases in employee earnings, future employment opportunities, and economic self-sufficiency.
Regional Site Readiness Program - Capital Ready – Round 2 Application Deadline: Rolling:  The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state. Input from community leaders and economic development experts has raised the need for flexible funding to support construction and infrastructure improvements to prepare sites for future development. This is the second round of the Regional Site Readiness Program and includes some minor changes from last year’s program.
Regional Site Readiness Program – Planning – Round 2 Application Deadline: Rolling:  The Regional Site Readiness Program aims to better prepare sites for industrial development across the state. Input from community leaders and economic development experts has raised the need for flexible funding to support construction and infrastructure improvements to prepare sites for future development. This is the second round of the Regional Site Readiness Program and includes some minor changes from last year’s program.
Federal Grant Support Program - Round 2 Application Deadline: Rolling:  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)’s Federal Grant Support Program 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.
Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program Application Deadline: Rolling: The program provides federal funding for community-based projects. Communities in non-metropolitan areas can apply for Economic Development funding to assist private business in retaining or creating full-time, permanent jobs. Grant funds may also be used for improvements to public infrastructure that directly supports companies in local communities.
Illinois Reproductive Grant Expansion Program Application Deadline: Rolling:  Illinois Reproductive Grant Extension Program will provide grants for pregnancy centers which include organizations or facilities that has health care employees, volunteers, or agents who are licensed health care professionals. Pregnancy-related services include any medical service, or health counseling service, related to the prevention, preservation, or termination of pregnancy. Organizations are not to engage in unfair methods or deceptive acts or practices, including the use or employment of any deception, fraud, false pretense, false promise, or misrepresentation to interfere with or prevent an individual from seeking to gain entry or access. 
​CDBG Disaster Response Program ​Application Deadline: Rolling: This program is designed for communities experiencing an imminent and urgent threat to public health and safety as indicated by a disaster declaration by the Governor of the State of Illinois.