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 improves employment 
opportunities and combats homelessness

Governor Pritzker Awards $6 Million in Grant Funding Through Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $6 million in grant funding to four recipients through the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and is funded through the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED).

Eligible entities can apply for grant funding to support renewable energy projects as part of historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

Governor Pritzker Announces $25.5 Million in Grant Funding for CEJA Equitable Energy Future Grant Program 

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $25.5 million in funding for the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program to grow and diversify Illinois’ clean energy ecosystem. This grant funding will provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to equity eligible contractors to work on renewable energy projects in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

Eligible applicants can now apply for the Community Development Block Grant Program 

Governor Pritzker Announces $26.5 Million in Grant Funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)Program

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $26.5 million in funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

REV Illinois incentive package supports company’s relocation from Houston

EV Manufacturer Ymer Technology Announces Opening of U.S. Headquarters in Illinois

BUFFALO GROVE – Ymer Technology, a manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) components for the heavy equipment industry, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Lake County Partners, and the Village of Buffalo Grove, announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove. The company’s $5.7 million investment, bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, will enable Ymer Technology to produce cooling technology and thermal management systems for EVs while supporting Illinois’ clean energy economy.

Grant funding assists paraprofessional educators 
facing barriers to employment

Governor Pritzker Awards $1.5 Million in Grant Funding to Job Training and Economic Development Teacher Apprenticeship Program Recipients

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to three Illinois universities through the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This pilot program will provide career pathway opportunities and supportive services for successful placement into the teacher workforce.

Investments in Illinois’ Tourism Industry Drive Longer Stays and Increases in Visitor Spending, Tax Revenue, and Local Jobs

Governor Pritzker Announces Record Tourism Growth in 2023

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism announced Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in tourism also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, totaling $322 million —a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23.

Funding to Accelerate Tech Advancements 
Aligned with CHIPS and Science Act

Governor Pritzker Announces $20 Million Commitment to Propel Innovation and Semiconductor Leadership in Illinois

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced a pivotal $20 million commitment to further elevate Illinois’ position as a national leader in technology and innovation through the Venture Investment for Semiconductor Technology Advancement (VISTA) initiative. This strategic funding will strengthen Illinois’ already robust ecosystem, catalyzing transformative innovations and attracting substantial private investments that will drive the state’s leadership in semiconductor technology.

Second round of Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program provides $5.5 million in loans to social equity dispensaries 

Governor Pritzker Awards Loans to Licensed Social Equity Cannabis Dispensaries

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the recipients of $5.5 million in loans through Round II of the Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program. Through the program, 23 qualified, licensed social equity dispensaries are receiving $240,000 Direct Forgivable Loans (DFL) financed by the State of Illinois.

Guiding Economic Development Goals, Comprehensive Business Development Strategy to Support Illinois Communities

Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Economic Growth Plan Outlining Vision to Advance Economic Development

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan, a five-year plan to guide Illinois’ economic development priorities and programming. Building upon Illinois’ success, this plan outlines a roadmap to attract record-level investments, create jobs and support communities over the next five years while laying the foundation for economic growth for generations to come.

Grant funding to administer the Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) will boost equitable workforce recovery across the state

Governor Pritzker Awards $15 Million in Funding for the Job Training and Economic Development Program 

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $15 million in funding for 33 organizations across Illinois for the Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED). JTED provides workforce training and wrap-around services to help 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 industries hardest hit by COVID-19.