The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State...

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Grant funding is part of the State’s continued effort to boost international travel to Illinois 

Governor Pritzker Awards $857,000 in Grant Funding to Local Tourism and Convention Bureaus

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $857,000 in grant funding was awarded to 11 certified local tourism and convention bureaus across the state. This funding was awarded through the International Tourism Grant Program as part of efforts to grow Illinois’ tourism industry.

DCEO Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with Proclamation, Events, Social Media Campaign

State of Illinois Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from November 17-23 to highlight Illinois' commitment to building a strong, skilled workforce through innovative apprenticeship programs. The weeklong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes resources such as in-person and virtual events along with a social media campaign to celebrate “10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation.”

Investments in Groundbreaking Technology to Grow Production for EV and Renewable Energy Markets Bolstered by REV Incentives

Gov. Pritzker Announces $5.5 Million Expansion of Wiegel’s Wood Dale Headquarters

WOOD DALE – Governor JB Pritzker, Wiegel Tool Works, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement for Wiegel’s $5.5 million investment to incorporate groundbreaking technology to supply the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy markets. The investment will enable Wiegel to expand its Wood Dale headquarters and purchase state-of-the-art machinery and equipment to produce products that will help meet Illinois’ clean energy goals.

Eligible entities can now apply for funding for the Tourism Attractions Grant Program and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program

Governor Pritzker Announces $2.3 Million for Tourism Grant Programs

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $2.3 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million) and the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000). Eligible entities can apply for grants to develop and improve new and existing tourism attractions through the Tourism Attractions Grant Program as well as grants to support and attract events and festivals through the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program in an effort to boost tourism across the state and welcome more visitors. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

LIHEAP applications expanded to include all income-eligible households starting November 1 

Governor Pritzker Encourages Income-Eligible Families to Apply for LIHEAP Utility Bill Assistance 

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced all income-eligible households can now apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane and electricity. Applications expanded today, November 1, and will be accepted through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced open applications for State-Designated Cultural Districts in Illinois. State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns, or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. Once selected, the State plans to make $3 million available to State-Designated Cultural Districts, and through the designations, aims to uplift the unique contributions of historic cultural districts with the goal of increasing economic development opportunities.

Gov. Pritzker Announces Second Round of Applications for State-Designated Cultural Districts

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced open applications for...

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households beginning October 1, 2024

Illinois Announces 2024 LIHEAP Application for Utility Bill Assistance

CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

DCEO Kicks Off Women's Business Month with a Series of Events Focused on Elevating Resources for the State's Women-Owned Businesses 

Illinois Celebrates National Women's Business Month

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women's Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. Throughout this monthlong celebration, DCEO is elevating resources and opportunities to help bolster Illinois’ women-owned businesses.

Groundbreaking “Make It In Illinois” Campaign Will Boost Manufacturing Talent Pipeline

Governor Pritzker Announces Launch of $5 Million Manufacturing Marketing Campaign

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local leaders and workforce partners at Richard J. Daley College to celebrate the launch of “Make It In Illinois,” the State of Illinois’ first manufacturing marketing campaign. This $5 million campaign aims to revitalize Illinois’ manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing.

Illinois’ First Low-Carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant Bolstered by REV Incentives

Crysalis Biosciences Inc. Invests $239.5 Million for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility in Sauget

SAUGET – Governor JB Pritzker, Crysalis Biosciences Inc. and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement for Crysalis’ $239.5 million investment to develop a first-of-its-kind sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant. The investment, which creates at least 35 new jobs in Sauget, will transform the fuel and chemical industry while reducing the carbon footprint in Illinois by manufacturing SAF, an alternative jet fuel made with a smaller carbon footprint.