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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.

Upcoming Events

Webinar | From Ideas to Impact: Funding Innovation Through U.S.–Israel Collaboration

Join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment and the BIRD Foundation for an informative and engaging webinar on Wednesday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. CST. The webinar will highlight current funding opportunities that support cutting‑edge U.S.–Israel collaborative innovation—including programs designed to help organizations turn promising technologies into real‑world commercial solutions. We’ll cover key opportunities such as the BIRD Energy open call for proposals, which seeks joint projects that advance technology in:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Grid reliability
  • Affordability
  • Resilience

Participants will gain practical insights into eligibility, the application process, partnership formation, and how to position a project for success. Don’t miss this chance to learn how your organization can tap into funding that accelerates innovation and drives global impact.

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CST
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/wss77ep5

Webinar | Unlocking Southeast Asia: Opportunities in Malaysia and Vietnam for U.S. Manufacturers

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, presenting significant opportunities for Illinois manufacturers. As global supply chains diversify and consumer markets expand, Malaysia and Vietnam have emerged as attractive destinations for exporters.

This webinar on Tuesday, May 26, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. CST is hosted by the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University. Please join this informative session where an Asia-Pacific Trade Specialist from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) will provide an overview of OTI, discuss Illinois trade with the region, and review the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program, along with recent trade missions. The free webinar offers an overview and insights into the trade environment in ASEAN and provides a practical introduction to entering two of the region’s most dynamic markets.

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST
Registration Link: https://Bradley.zoom.us/meeting/register/ncgOGJt8QuKUIukyLKI8DA

Hybrid training | EXPORT NOW Bootcamp

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development’s Office of Trade and Investment is pleased to speak at EXPORT NOW Bootcamp hosted by the Illinois SBDC ITC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This is a great opportunity for Illinois agribusinesses and food manufacturers to successfully enter the international market.

This 2-day seminar will cover how to identify export markets, navigate export regulations, connect with buyers and access funding activities like the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program.

Date and location: Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday May 28, 2026 at 620 E. Broadway, Alton, Illinois 62002. It will also be presented online.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. CST
Registration Link: https://ilsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/41910