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...

Lena

English

English (Global)

#475569

Data Protection Authority

Grant funding supports the state’s continued effort to build a pipeline of talent and increase access to good-paying jobs for historically underrepresented populations 

Governor Pritzker Awards More Than $17 Million Through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program  

CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today awarded more than $17 million in funding to 39 program recipients, serving up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

State’s Talent Pipeline and Training Drive National Recognition

Illinois Ranks #1 for Workforce Development in Midwest, Climbs to #3 in the Nation

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Site Selection Magazine, the leading economic development publication, has named Illinois #1 for workforce development in the Midwest and #3 in the nation for 2026 – up from #2 regionally and up from #4 nationally. The ranking highlights Illinois’ commitment to providing innovative workforce programs, career training and employment services that create resources for jobseekers and ensure businesses continue to thrive.

Grant funding will increase advanced workforce training facilities at Illinois community colleges

Governor Pritzker Announces $24 Million Manufacturing Training Academy Expansion

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $24 million is now available in grant funding to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs) at community colleges in the state’s downstate regions to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs in Illinois. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

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. There are nearly 561,000 women-owned businesses in Illinois employing more than 661,000 workers and bringing in $165 billion in revenue each year. During this monthlong celebration, DCEO will be elevating resources and events to help bolster Illinois’ women-owned businesses and aspiring female entrepreneurs.

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...

Third round of Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program will provide $40 million in forgivable loans 

Loan Applications for All Cannabis Social Equity Licensees Set to Open August 11th  

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that applications for Round 3 of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program will open August 11th. This round of funding includes $40 million, which will be available through Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) fully financed by the State. Loans will be available to qualified, licensed social equity craft growers, infusers, transporters, and adult-use dispensing organizations.

Illinois maintained momentum in various categories and added new rankings in two categories

Illinois Secures 11 Top Spots on Business Facilities’ Annual Report

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois announced that Illinois has ranked in the top 10 spots across 11 categories on Business Facilities’ 21st Annual Rankings. Illinois ranked number one in nuclear energy with top-ten wins in other categories including: Foreign Direct Investment (#5), Agribusiness (#5), Exports (#5), Wind Power (#5), AI Job Hubs (#6), Cybersecurity Talent (#7), Solar Power (#7), Film and Television (#8), AI Job Market (#9), and MedTech/Medical Devices (#10).

Eligible entities can now apply for the fifth round of funding through Illinois Works

Governor Pritzker Announces Applications Open for Next Round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced applications are now open for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Capital grant funding supports entrepreneurship in key growth industries around Illinois

Governor Pritzker Awards Multiple Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $7 million in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant (TIEG) Program to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries around the state. These grant awards will strengthen the resilience of both existing and new startup incubators.

$6.3 million in grant funding will build upon Illinois’ record-breaking tourism industry

Governor Pritzker Announces 36 Awards Through Tourism Grant Programs

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $6.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 36 grantees through three grant programs – the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million), Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000) – as part of the state's continued effort to boost tourism and welcome more visitors to Illinois.

Grant program supports small and mid-size manufacturers across the state

Governor Pritzker Awards $1.3 Million to 29 Manufacturing Companies Through Made in Illinois Grant Program

PEORIA – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today announced the recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program. This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the state’s vital manufacturing sector. The program is part of Illinois’ broader commitment to support the state’s manufacturers while bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem.

Governor Pritzker Awards More Than $17 Million Through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Illinois Ranks #1 for Workforce Development in Midwest, Climbs to #3 in the Nation

Governor Pritzker Announces $24 Million Manufacturing Training Academy Expansion

Illinois Celebrates National Women’s Business Month

Loan Applications for All Cannabis Social Equity Licensees Set to Open August 11th

Illinois Secures 11 Top Spots on Business Facilities’ Annual Report

Governor Pritzker Announces Applications Open for Next Round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Governor Pritzker Awards Multiple Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants

Governor Pritzker Announces 36 Awards Through Tourism Grant Programs

Governor Pritzker Awards $1.3 Million to 29 Manufacturing Companies Through Made in Illinois Grant Program

Get updates in your mailbox

About Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Contact