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.

Participant placement will be prioritized as follows, where the geography allows:

• One-third of program placements are for people residing in an area that is BOTH an R3 area and an environmental justice community.
• One-third of program placements are for people who reside in EITHER an R3 area OR an environmental justice community. Preference will be given to applicants who face barriers to employment, such as low educational attainment, prior involvement with the criminal legal system, language barriers, and applicants that are graduates of or current members of the foster care system.
• Priority for the remaining placements must be given to displaced energy workers or persons who face barriers to employment (as defined above).

Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this program.