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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Eligible entities can now apply for workforce training and wrap-around services funding

Governor Pritzker Announces $10 Million Investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Program for workforce training and wrap-around services that will bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. As part of Illinois’ workforce recovery efforts, JTED grants focus on helping increase employment among workers and key sectors of the state’s economy. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards in Paris highlights Illinois’ global excellence in growth, innovation, and industry leadership

State of Illinois Honored with International Award for Leadership in Innovation

CHICAGO – Today, the State of Illinois has once again been recognized on the global stage at the 2025 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Awards in Paris, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) was recognized with the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award acknowledging the state’s international leadership in talent, research, investment, industry support, and innovation policy.

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...

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).

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.

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.

DCEO Illinois Film Office’s short film contest 
will showcase local production talent

DCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest

ROCKFORD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the DCEO Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger.

2024 Exports Reach All-Time High and Represent a 32 Percent Increase from Pre-Pandemic levels in 2019   

Illinois Celebrates World Trade Month  

CHICAGO – This May, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating World Trade Month. According to rankings by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Illinois continues to lead as the top exporting state in Midwest and the fourth largest exporting state in the U.S. In 2024, Illinois had another record-breaking year, with exports exceeding $81 billion, a 2.5% increase from 2023 and a 32% increase since 2019.

Grant funding will preserve Pope County’s Sweetwater Saloon

Governor Pritzker Announces Funding to Save Historic 
Golconda Building

GOLCONDA – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $41,500 in funding to support Main Street Golconda’s efforts to save the historic Sweetwater Saloon. Following Main Street Golconda’s pleas for emergency aid, Governor Pritzker called the organizers to offer his assistance and coordinate a grant funding opportunity to preserve the building that has been at the heart of Pope County since 1887.

EDGE incentives support the company’s new IV manufacturing facility in Central Illinois, initially creates 50 new full-time jobs

Governor Pritzker Announces $25 Million Investment in Epic Medical

PEKIN – Governor JB Pritzker, Epic Medical and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the company will open its first U.S. facility in the Riverway Business Park in Pekin. Epic Medical, which will operate as Epic Pharma Solutions Inc. in Illinois, will make a $25 million capital investment with support from an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, which will enable the company to expand into the U.S., construct an intravenous (IV) solutions manufacturing facility, and initially create 50 new full-time jobs.

Governor Pritzker Announces $10 Million Investment in Job Training and Economic Development Program

State of Illinois Honored with International Award for Leadership in Innovation

Illinois Celebrates National Women’s Business Month

Illinois Secures 11 Top Spots on Business Facilities’ Annual Report

Governor Pritzker Awards Multiple Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants

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

DCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest

Illinois Celebrates World Trade Month

Governor Pritzker Announces Funding to Save Historic Golconda Building

Governor Pritzker Announces $25 Million Investment in Epic Medical

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