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CEJA Contractor Programs

Learn about the following CEJA Contractor Programs:

For a status of these programs, please visit the CEJA Program Updates and Status page.

Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program

The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (“Contractor Incubator Program”) will provide eligible contractors with access to low-cost capital, support for obtaining insurance, assistance registering to become vendors for state incentive programs, connections with firms hiring contractors and subcontractors, and other vital services.  Participating contractors will receive training, mentoring and support to build their businesses, connect to projects, compete for capital, and execute clean energy-related project installations and subcontracts.

$21 million per year will be allocated for the program, subject to appropriation. The Contractor Incubators will be geographically distributed across Illinois, serving people who reside in or near the following 13 areas: Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest & West Sides), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton.

Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program will provide a multi-year one-on-one coaching to assist contractor participants in developing 5-year business plans and growing their businesses. This will include review of monthly metrics and advice on achieving participant’s goals. Participating contractors will also be eligible for operational support grants and will have access to capital for upfront project costs and pre-development funding. Participants will receive mentorship, assistance preparing bids and Request for Proposal applications, assistance connecting to state and federal programs, and more.

A total of $9 million will be allocated annually for this program, subject to appropriation. Program services will be administered in 3 program delivery areas: Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois.