Northeast Region Weekly Update July 6, 2026

“Our Economy, Our Future - Nuestra Economía, Nuestro Futuro”

This July, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), in collaboration with the Latino Business Colectivo, will be hosting the 4th Annual Latin@ Economic Summit. Join Illinois Latino business leaders, innovators, and other aspiring entrepreneurs for a day of networking and connection.

Thursday | July 23, 2026 | 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora, IL 60505

Register for the Latin@ Economic Summit in English or Spanish.

This event Is open to the public, is bilingual with simultaneous translations, is free to attend, and parking is available onsite.

Agenda:

Registration & Sign-in Welcome Remarks Exciting Éxito Keynote

Plenary: Creative Strategies to Drive Foot Traffic and Boost Revenue

We’ll explore strategies that are driving foot traffic, looking at everything from optimizing your business profile online and leveraging social media to partnering with neighborhood businesses, hosting events, and creating an in-store experience. Then we’ll dive into the sales side, looking at how those strategies can lead to revenue growth.

Breakout 1

AI for Beginners: The Business Owner’s Guide to AI

This workshop is designed to provide business owners with a practical start for integrating AI into their business, specifically focused on social media, marketing, and budgeting

Contracts 101: Know What You Sign & Legal Resources for Business Owners (Spanish)

Through plain-language explanations, real contracts examples, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to read fine print and spot items in contracts that deserve a closer look. 

Fund it Differently – Alternative Lending Solutions

Obtaining funding for your small business via traditional avenues can be challenging, but there is a whole world of funding beyond banks. We will pull the curtain on alternative lending and introduce business owners to often overlooked funding strategies.

Business Best Practices in an Uncertain Economy

The economy has never been simple but the last several years have tested business owners in ways few could have predicted. Latinos have always adapted, innovated, and thrived. This session will discuss navigating today’s complex and ever-changing economic environment. It brings together best practices, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to not just survive but build business resilient in order to thrive.

Breakout 2

Contracts 101: Know What You Sign & Legal Resources for Business Owners (English)

Through plain-language explanations, real contracts examples, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to read fine print and spot items in contracts that deserve a closer look.

From Newcomer to Business Owner: Entrepreneurship & Rights for Immigrants (Spanish)

This session will provide essential business knowledge and legal awareness every immigrant entrepreneur needs to thrive, including how to protect your assets in your absence. More information.

How to Build Powerful Business Credit and Protect Your Personal Finances

Business credit is one of the most powerful and misunderstood tools. This workshop closes that gap. In an engaging and practical format, we’ll give business owners a comprehensive understanding of business credit – how it works, how it is built, and how to use it as a strategic tool for growth.

Built to Last Beyond You

You spent years – maybe decades – pouring your heart, your time, and your resources into building your business. But have you thought about what happens to it when you are ready to step away? What will you do if family succession is not an option? How do you protect what you have built? How can you profit? This session explores succession planning an exit strategy in multiple options.

Social Media Toolkit

Access the social media toolkit in English and Spanish to find tips, sample social media posts, graphics, and newsletter ideas on how to promote the 4th Annual Latin@ Economic Summit!

CONTACT INFO

For questions about this event, or if you need special accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact Diana Alfaro, Latinx Business Development Manager, at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov, or Erik Castelan, Latinx Business Development Specialist, at erik.castelan@illinois.gov.

CEJA Capacity Grant Program Is Now LIVE!

The Workforce Policy Lab, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is excited to introduce the CEJA Capacity Grant Program—a bold new initiative to strengthen a more inclusive and resilient clean energy future for Illinois. Launching in 2026, this program will provide current and prospective DCEO CEJA grantees and sub-grantees with robust capacity-building support, along with grant awards starting at $100,000. This direct investment will empower 501(c)(3) organizations across the state to scale clean energy workforce development, expand contractor opportunities, and drive equitable economic growth in communities statewide.

The CEJA Capacity Grant Program Information Session recording, transcript, and slide deck have now been posted at this link. As you begin your application, please keep in mind that we offer several resources to help ensure your application is as successful as possible. These resources are on the program landing page under "Technical Assistance & Resources."

We will also host two Technical Assistance Office Hours for applicants seeking clarification or application assistance.

• Session #1

Date & Time: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Register: https://niu-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/3sbQ4WoYSZWD3dTUE5zaug

If you have questions, please email CEJACapacity@niu.edu

Working Group

About the Working Group

On March 13, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-03 to establish the Illinois State Attainment Working Group. The Working Group is tasked with recommending a statewide postsecondary attainment goal focused on degrees and credentials of value. The recommendation must also address feasibility and benefit of establishing regional, institutional and/or disaggregated goals for growth in attainment. To inform the goal recommendation, Working Group activities will include:

• Conducting a landscape analysis of state and regional education and workforce plans
• Projecting workforce needs and the types of credentials required to meet that need
• Defining credentials of value
• Engaging stakeholders across the state

Working Group Members

What are the Objectives for an Illinois Value-Centered Attainment Goal?

r:i:)., Establish a shared North Star to guide

�            policy, practice and investment

�            Foster alignment across education and

�            workforce systems to enable economic mobility

Illinois State Attainment Working Group Sessions

Please register for the session in your region by using this link.

CDBG Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation Program

The Application Workshop for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant funded competitive Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation grants was held recently, and a recording can be accessed at this link. For more information on the CDBG programs, click this link.

Guidebooks for both programs can be found on the DCEO website at this link. Please remember that Sections I, II and IX are applicable to other programs.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) have been posted at this link. Applications for the Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation grants are due by 5:00 pm, Thursday, August 27, 2026. If you should have any questions, please reach out to ceo.ocd@illinois.gov

CDBG Community Revitalization Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s new Community Revitalization grant program administered in the Office of Community Development and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant is now open. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

This anxiously awaited program will make funding available to rural areas throughout the state for sidewalk improvements/streetscapes, rehabilitation of publicly owned commercial/industrial buildings, historic preservation of non-residential buildings, renovation or conversion to another purpose of a closed building, and non-residential demolition of publicly-owned property. Rural communities have long suffered a variety of unmet needs with no funding to address the challenges.

The Community Revitalization Program will allow projects like demolition of a former nursing home next to a hospital, allowing for a health and fitness park; renovation of a historic, former train station into a community center; creation of a downtown streetscape to make it ADA friendly; conversion of a closed school into affordable apartments; or façade improvements to arrest deterioration of historic buildings.

The demolition activity of Community Revitalization is also available to urban areas to assist with long-term neglect and abandonment of properties. Demolition projects must create open space and cannot be redeveloped for a minimum of five years.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be accessed at this link. Recordings, application workshops and technical assistance sessions can be accessed at this link.

Economic Empowerment Center (EEC) Round 2

The EEC Grant Program was developed to help create an inclusive business ecosystem within communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to entry and growth through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives. DCEO has previously awarded $2.5 million in grant funding to 10 recipients through the EEC Grant Program.

Eligible Applicants

• Career education agencies; and
• Non-profit organizations, including but not limited to: local development corporations, chambers of commerce, community based outreach centers, and community based organizations that provide services to underserved businesses and entrepreneurs.

Award Range: $250,000-$500,000

Deadline: Rolling until funding is exhausted.

DCEO hosted an Application Workshop and Technical Assistance webinar for EEC grant applicants and the webinar was recorded, and the recording will be available on the DCEO website

How to Apply?

• Economic Empowerment Center Program Application: bit.ly/4tZqbZq
• Supporting documents below:
• An electronic/digital photo of the project location and copy of the CDFI Map Area, if applicable
• Mission Statement
• Articles of Incorporation
• Copies of Organizational Chart, and more

Federal Grant Support Program – Round 2

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO)’s Federal Grant Support Program-Round 2 is open and will make resources available to Illinois-based proposals seeking competitive federal grants. This match program will encourage more applicants to apply for federal grant opportunities, provide critical assistance to meet the minimum match eligibility requirements, increase the competitiveness of applications, and provide the State of Illinois with an opportunity to make a firm commitment and demonstration of support for

projects that are well aligned with the State’s economic development goals and priorities. For more information about the program, including links to the NOFO and application, visit this link.

Office of Accountability

Curious about the grant lifecycle or wanting to learn more about the different facets of grants? Do you have a grant-related question that you would like answered in real time? DCEO is pleased to offer three training options for current and potential grantees. Learn more and sign up to register at this link.

Virtual Office Hour Q & A - Tuesdays at 2pm:

Join for a virtual question and answer session via Webex in which potential and current Grantees may attend to ask questions and seek assistance. Technical Support Managers will be online to field questions, demonstrate steps, or provide instructions as needed to assist entities and individuals with the grant process.

Pre-Qualification Training – 1st Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will cover Pre-Qualification requirements. Pre-qualification is required of all grantees with the State of Illinois and must be maintained throughout a grant program. To be in pre-qualified status means that all required registrations have been met and an entity is in good standing and able to conduct business with the

State of Illinois. Join DCEO’s Technical Support Team as we explain each step in the pre-qualification process and how to get started.

Various topics Training – 3rd Wednesday of the month 9AM:

This slide presentation will discuss important grant-related topics pertaining to grant management. Each month we will discuss a different component, process, or emerging practice that can benefit potential and existing grantees. Register or view recording of past grant trainings at this link.

• July 15, 2026 - Risk Assessments: This training will cover the required Risk Assessments for Grantees including the Internal Control Questionnaire and Programmatic Risk Assessment.
• August 19, 2026 - Completing A Budget Application: This training will introduce the budget application and instructions on how to best complete the budget for application submission.
• September 16, 2026 - Reporting and Supporting Documentation: This training will explain the Periodic Performance Report and Periodic Financial Report, as well as appropriate supporting documents required for submission.
• October 21, 2026 - Indirect Cost Rates: This training will introduce potential and current Grantees to the Indirect Cost Rate system, the different types of elections and requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders through the review process.
• November 18, 2026 - Capital Grants: This training will explain what a capital grant is, requirements and eligibility for capital grants, application documents, and an overview of the grant lifecycle
• December 16, 2026 – Audits: This training will introduce grantees to the different Audit types, requirements, and the submission process.

Need assistance with a grant-related question? Please email inquiries to ceo.GrantHelp@illinois.gov or use this Help Desk Inquiry Form. All inquiries submitted outside of business hours will be addressed the following business day.

For a complete list of current DCEO grant opportunities, upcoming grant trainings, video resource library and Grant Help Desk assistance, visit DCEO Grants (illinois.gov)

• CDBG Public Infrastructure Program: Applications due August 27, 2026
• CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program: Applications due August 27, 2026
• Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program: Applications are rolling
• CDBG Disaster Response Program: Applications are rolling
• Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers: Applications are rolling
• Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Program (CEJA): Applications are rolling

Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

IDNR Accepting OSLAD Park Development Grant Applications

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants through August 31.

A total of $37.5 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. IDNR will again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects in economically distressed communities. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 20 underserved locations received grants for local park projects.

In addition, communities whose parks need to be rebuilt as a result of storm damage are encouraged to apply for OSLAD grants. Under state administrative rules, entities recovering from storm damage can apply as physically distressed communities, allowing them to only need 10% matching funds.

“Strong parks build strong communities. When severe storms damage our parks, the effects are felt by families, children and neighborhoods,” said Interim IDNR Director Renee Snow. “OSLAD grants can help rebuild the outdoor spaces that are essential for community connection, resilience and well-being.”

OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since it was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD has awarded more than $675 million for local park projects throughout Illinois.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 through the Amplifund portal website. Before applying for a grant, entities must be registered and current in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal. For more information, visit the OSLAD website or call 217-782-7481.

Illinois EPA Unsewered Communities Planning Grants

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Director James Jennings announced a new funding opportunity to assist communities where there are currently no wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities. Illinois EPA is making $1 million available for grants through the Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program, which will assist small and disadvantaged communities in developing a project plan that identifies a solution to wastewater collection and treatment needs. A Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) has been posted to the Illinois EPA website.

The Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program (UCPGP) provides grant funding to develop a plan that will address problems associated with the collection and treatment of wastewater in an unsewered community. Ultimately, this information can be used in an application for a project that would be funded by the Illinois Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program. Funding for the UCPGP is made possible by utilizing a portion of Illinois EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Program Loan Support funds generated from loan repayments. Applicants that qualify can receive funding up to $30,000, and Illinois EPA expects to fund up to 50 grants.

All required forms and information are available on the Illinois EPA’s UCPGP webpage. The application period will remain open until all funding has been expended. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must be pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal.

Illinois EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $6.57 million to assist communities across the state in meeting the inventory requirements of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (LSLRNA). More information can be found at this link. Please note this grant program is for lead service line inventorying purposes only, and lead service line replacement costs are ineligible for this grant program.

Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance

As part of the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, the State of Illinois maintains a “Catalog of State Financial Assistance” (CSFA). It includes information on state agencies that have active grant programs, a list of active grant programs, and a list of current funding opportunities. It also includes a link to subscribe to a weekly mailing list of new opportunities. For more information, click this link.

To subscribe to a weekly digest of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) published by all state agencies, send a blank email with no subject to: subscribe-omb-gata-grants@lists.illinois.gov.

Helpful Resources

Grant Accountability and Transparency (GATA)

• GATA Grantee Portal: https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/
• GATA Grantee Portal New User Guide: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource
• GATU Resource Site: https://gata.illinois.gov/
• Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA): https://gata.illinois.gov/grants/csfa.html
• DCEO Current Grant Opportunities: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html

Audit Report Review Process Manual: https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/audit/audit-manual-august-2018-revision.pdf

DCEO Office of Accountability

• Office Hours for Grantees – Office of Accountability is hosting a weekly office hour every Tuesday from 2-3pm for any questions grantees or potential grantees may have.
• Sign up for any of these sessions with this link
• Email Us: ceo.granthelp@illinois.gov
• Or use our Inquiry Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/df9d38efa4e241218ced486c54f3c109

Visit Our Website:

• DCEO Grants
• Video Training & Resources Library Video Training & Resources (illinois.gov)

State of Illinois Commission on Equity & Inclusion

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) was created to expand access to state contracts for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans and assist the state in enhancing equity and inclusion throughout its workforce. CEI’s reach into state hiring and contracting is expensive and encompasses the involvement of several state agencies and commissions.

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and competitive business environment that will support underrepresented businesses in increasing their capacity, growing revenue, and enhancing credentials.

Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Certification BEP Certification

The Veterans Business Program (VBP) assists businesses owned by qualified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses in gaining access to State of Illinois contracting opportunities and participating in the competitive procurement process.

Veterans Business Program (VBP) VBP Certification

Workforce Development – Office of Employment & Training

The Office of Employment and Training supports innovative workforce programs and career, training and employment services that connect employers to a highly skilled workforce. Providing assistance and resources for job seekers is central to Illinois’ commitment to ensuring that businesses thrive in our state.

Programs and services:

• Illinois workNet®
• WIOA Works Illinois
• Apprenticeship Illinois
• Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA)
• WIOA Success Stories
• More Programs and Resources
• Illinois Workforce Development System (IWDS)
• Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

DCEO Business Information Center (BIC)

The BIC serves as a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our services include assistance with licensing and permitting, resource referrals, small business environmental assistance, and regulatory alerts for small businesses.

License & Permit Assistance and Resource Referrals Contact us at BIC@Illinois.gov or 800-252-2923 Explore: Self-Serve Knowledge Base

Regulatory Flexibility Program

Contact us at ceo.regflex@illinois.gov or 217-299-1263 View our weekly Illinois Regulatory Alert

Small Business Environmental Assistance

Contact us at dceo.sbeap@illinois.gov or 800-252-3998 Explore: Frequently Asked Questions

DCEO Website – https://dceo.illinois.gov

The Illinois DCEO website includes a page dedicated to current state and federal grant opportunities as well as Grantee resources. Click here to find valuable information!

Join DCEO’s Team

DCEO’s Team is expanding around the state. To view and apply for these jobs, please click this link.

Following DCEO & Connecting with Team RED

If you have upcoming meetings or events and would like DCEO to participate, please reach out to us. Follow us on our social media channels for real-time updates.

Facebook: @illinoisdceo

LinkedIn: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity