Eligible entities can now apply to serve as Primes Program Leads to assist clean energy contractors as part of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $9 million in funding for the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow the clean energy workforce in Illinois through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The Primes Accelerator Program is designed to increase business opportunities for clean energy contractors that serve areas impacted by economic, social, and environmental challenges. The organizations that will serve as the Primes Program Leads to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

“My administration is building an equitable clean energy future for all,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “To advance this vision, we have launched initiatives like the Primes Accelerator Program which aims to help small businesses in underserved areas build capacity and capital, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply.”

The Primes Accelerators will provide a variety of services to a cohort of contractor and clean energy small businesses, helping them grow their businesses and take advantage of opportunities such as bidding on projects, applying for grants and loans, becoming approved vendors, getting certified, and more. Participant businesses will be selected based on criteria that includes experience, business revenue, and demonstrated relationships with equity investment eligible individuals, businesses, and communities.

“Supporting clean energy contractors in historically underserved areas is essential to equitably growing Illinois’ clean energy workforce through the landmark CEJA legislation,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Clean energy contractors throughout the state will be able to access a variety of services through the Primes Accelerator Program that will increase business opportunities in the areas that need it most.”

The Primes Accelerators services will be offered in the three geographic areas designated by statute: Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The Department anticipates selecting one Primes Program Lead for each area.

“I'm thrilled to see the continued opportunities created through the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,” said Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). “The Primes Accelerator Program will provide funding and increase business opportunities for contractors in the areas of the state that need it most.”

Qualified entities that can apply to be a Primes Program Lead include organizations that have experience providing business-related assistance, knowledge of the construction and clean energy trades, have a record of effectively serving diverse populations, and have established relationships within the local area.

“The Primes Accelerator Program is critical to the state's continued efforts to build Illinois' clean energy economy,” said Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This program and funding opportunity will expand business opportunities while prioritizing our state's most disproportionally impacted communities.”

Through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), qualified entities can apply for grants, with awards ranging from $1 million to $3 million to deliver the Primes Accelerator Program in each region. Applications will be accepted until July 2, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

“The State of Illinois is positioning itself as a clean energy leader by rolling out another critical program under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act,” said Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). “Through the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program, Illinoisans will have access to a number of opportunities to help them thrive in the state’s clean energy economy.”

To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will be holding a technical assistance webinar at 3 p.m. on April 10.

The Primes Accelerator Program is one of several contractor, workforce, and community support programs established by the landmark CEJA legislation intended to move Illinois to a 100% carbon-free future. Under CEJA, DCEO will administer $180 million per year in workforce and community support programs designed to build Illinois’ clean energy economy and prepare the state's workforce and communities for the jobs of the future.

CEJA training, contractor & community investment programs administered by DCEO include:

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