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Northeastern Region Weekly Update May 15, 2026

Economic Indicators Market Trends Business Growth & Expansion Entrepreneurship & Small Business Workforce Development Investment & Finance Funding & Grants Infrastructure Development Quality of Life Policy & Government

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity


Northeastern Region Weekly Update May 15, 2026





The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is honored to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May. Find information about upcoming events and resources to support AAPI-owned businesses in Illinois below and on our website at AAPI Heritage Month 2026.

DCEO Events

Awesome Adventures in Product & Innovation Expo

attendees from all backgrounds are welcome to join

Presented by the Economic Development Center at CMAA with collaborators like the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and additional cross-sector organizations

Thursday | May 21 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | in-person

National India Hub. 930 National Parkway. Schaumburg, IL 60173

The second annual event features an energetic expo featuring government, primes, small businesses, and small business resource booths. The expo will offer workshops and seminars including one from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) featuring International Trade Specialist-Asia, Kelly Hou from

DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) and Northeast Regional Manager Joseph “Joe” McKeown, from

DCEO’s Office of Regional Economic Development (RED).

BUILT TO LAST: Future Proofing Businesses for the Next Generation (An AAPIHM Celebration)

presented by the North River Commission and Fifth Third Bank

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm | in Chicago at Movement on Montrose

Join the community for an evening of celebration, connection, and practical support as we close out AAPI Heritage Month in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood. This free community event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and neighbors to uplift and invest in the AAPI business community. Whether you’re running a

long-standing business, just getting started, or exploring an idea, this event is designed to connect you with the tools and people you need. Hear from a panel of Asian American business owners at different stages of their journeys as they share insights on how to future-proof your business—covering topics like adapting to the digital landscape, succession planning, and preparing for long-term growth or transition. Connect directly with local, county, and state partners offering resources for small businesses such as from Women’s Business Development Manager Michelle Lura White from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment (OE3). Enjoy a “Noodles Party” featuring dishes from across Asian cultures, and spend the evening building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and community members.

Want to Play DCEO Road Show Host?

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is planning an in-person DCEO Road Shows between August 17th and September 11th 2026. This event will provide updates on economic development programs, grant opportunities, and initiatives impacting communities across Illinois. If you are interested in hosting, please fill out the following form: https://forms.office.com/g/B0Xx1KHnRE.

Please note: Completing this form does not guarantee selection as a host site. Participants must provide a free venue that accommodates at a minimum of 25 attendees. We also ask for your assistance in promoting the event locally. Finally, please reply to this form by June 30, 2026. Road Show site selection and planning will begin in July 2026.


Thank you for your interest in partnering with us!

DCEO Team RED Monthly Webinar

In May, DCEO will host a webinar celebrating both Economic Development Week and Small Business Week on Thursday, May 21, from 10 to 11 am.

Building Strong Communities: How Small Businesses Drive Economic Development

Join us for a special panel discussion celebrating both Economic Development Week and National Small Business Week. This event will highlight the essential role small businesses play in driving local prosperity, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that contribute to strong regional economic development.

In this session, our panel of experts will explore how small businesses serve as the backbone of local communities, from creating jobs and strengthening supply chains to enhancing the overall quality of life. Panelists will share insights, real world examples, and practical strategies that demonstrate how intentional support for small businesses helps build vibrant, resilient, and future-ready economies.

Registration Link: https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r26e2faaf34668f0579eb873ed4f3102a

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-profitt 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 will be hosting an Application Workshop and Technical Assistance webinar for EEC grant applicants on May 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. This webinar will be 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

Interested applicants can find more information on the DCEO website

STAR Bonds Expanded Statewide

 

The deadline of June 1, 2026, at 5:00PM to notify the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) that your municipality intends to develop a STAR Bonds district is approaching.


A webinar will be held on Thursday, May 14th, from 2:00PM – 3:00PM and will provide an overview of the basics of STAR Bonds, including how the program works, the types of projects it can support, and the requirements for establishing a STAR Bond district. This session will focus on the first milestone in the process: securing approval of a district. After a short presentation, the webinar will move into an extended Q&A period so attendees can raise specific questions and discuss the steps involved in establishing a STAR Bonds district.

For questions, please visit to DCEO’s dedicated STAR website: STAR Bonds or email ceo.starbonds@illinois.gov

IHDA Strong Communities Grant Program

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is now accepting applications from units of local government for $9 million in grant funding dedicated to supporting local affordable housing needs and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Offered through IHDA’s Strong Communities Program (SCP), this initiative provides financial assistance to allow local governments to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated residential properties within their communities. Through leveraging SCP funding, local entities can work in partnership with others or on their own to increase property values, stimulate job creation, reduce crime in affected areas, generate additional tax revenue, and encourage further investment in the community.


SCP offers grant opportunities of up to $750,000 to grantees for tackling challenging properties threatening their communities. SCP funds can be used for a range of activities, including acquiring, rehabilitating, demolishing, and landscaping vacant and abandoned residential properties containing up to six units. Eligible applicants for SCP must be a unit of local government located in Illinois; however, a county or municipality may join with other counties or municipalities and submit a single application.

Additionally, land banks and Regional Planning Commissions are eligible to apply on behalf of units of local government.

SCP Webinar

The SCP application process is competitive, and units of local government and potential third-party administrators, such as regional planning councils and land banks, interested in applying may attend an informational webinar from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Online registration for this session can be found here.

SCP Application

Applications for SCP funding will be accepted through 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Full program information and the application can be found online here. Any member of a local government with questions regarding SCP may email SCPinfo@ihda.org with your questions or comments.


IHDA Seeks Public Input to Help Guide Future of Housing

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is asking local community members, residents, and leaders to participate in the development of the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint (Blueprint) through two opportunities: (1) take the resident survey and/or (2) attend a Community Listening Session. The Blueprint is a forward-thinking, grassroots planning initiative designed by IHDA to provide a deeper analysis of the trends and priorities around housing at a regional level that will shape the future of housing policy and investment in Illinois in the years to come.

What Is the Blueprint?

Launched in 2020, the Blueprint is a statewide initiative conducted every three to five years to assess current housing conditions, create a vision for equitable and affordable housing in Illinois, and a pathway to make that vision possible. While IHDA coordinates the Blueprint’s planning process, it is fundamentally collaborative,

combining traditional elements such as community engagement with quantitative data analysis. Insights gathered from these engagements are crucial in the creation of a detailed, actionable plan designed to guide Illinois communities in meeting their housing objectives.

Illinois Housing Blueprint Survey

IHDA is asking the public to complete the Blueprint’s online survey. This opportunity allows members of the public to share their opinions to help IHDA understand local housing needs and goals of their community. Responses to the survey are anonymous and will be accepted through Friday, July 31, 2026. Please click here to take the survey.


To help gather accurate and comprehensive information, IHDA is encouraging individuals, elected officials, and local governments to utilize the Blueprint social media toolkit to raise awareness of the survey across personal and professional networks. The more responses received, the more accurate IHDA can be in its analysis, thus providing a more effective tool for communities to describe their current housing needs and planning for the future.

Illinois Housing Blueprint Community Listening Sessions

IHDA is also inviting the public to attend one of their 11 in-person community listening sessions. IHDA is also offering one virtual session that will be conducted in Spanish. At these sessions, IHDA will share data and background specific to the county and region they reside in along with how it compares to other regions in the state. These sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts and ideas with staff to ensure the 2027 Blueprint reflects resident input. All attendees must register in advance.

CDBG Application Workshop

 

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: https://dceo.illinois.gov/communitydevelopment.html .Please remember that Sections I, II and IX are applicable to other programs.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) have been posted at https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities.html . 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

CEJA Capacity Grant

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.

Visit the program website to explore program details and stay informed about opportunities and updates. Share the interest form found on the program website with your network so they can be the first to hear about the CEJA Capacity Grant when the opportunity goes live.


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 $16.9 million 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.

  • May 20, 2026 - Writing a Grant Application: This training will explain how to complete application documents, how to read a Notice of Funding Opportunity, and how to submit the application package for review.
  • June 17, 2026 - Overview of DCEO Programs: This training will give an overview of the Grant Program Offices at DCEO as well as our mission and background of the Agency
  • 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)


Other Federal and State Agency Grants & Programs

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Duty Refunds

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) opened a new online portal for tariff refunds. CBP developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) functionality within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to streamline the submission and processing of valid refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by court order or applicable law. CAPE is designed to consolidate refunds of IEEPA duties including interest rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis. CBP plans to implement CAPE through a phased development approach, adding more functionality in subsequent phases for more complicated scenarios. For more information, please visit CPB’s website here.

IL Housing Blueprint: The Future of Housing in Illinois

The 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint, led by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), will provide an analysis of the state of housing in Illinois, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which Illinois can improve the resiliency and equity of housing markets across the state. The Illinois Housing Blueprint will align diverse data sets with community input to determine how various factors interact across community types, including:

  • Affordability and preservation
  • Development costs
  • Housing and aging
  • Local implementation capacity
  • Supportive housing

The Blueprint will provide a tool for municipalities, state agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders across the state to better understand how housing fits into the economic fabric of their region and to support targeted, community-specific policy and investment decisions.


We need your help to learn more about the housing needs and goals of your community. We invite all current residents of Illinois to take part in this planning process by completing this survey and providing valuable information about their experience and opinions of their community. Please share with your networks. We will use this important information to guide our planning process. The survey can be found at this link.

Map AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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 Electric Vehicle Rebate Program – EXTENDED!

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension to the current Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program application cycle to May 31, 2026. Illinois EPA will process all applications received through January 31, 2026, including non-low income, given those individuals applied with the expectation that rebates would be processed at the end of the initial application cycle. After January 31, 2026, Illinois EPA will again prioritize low income applications as specified in the program requirements, which are available on the Illinois

EPA’s EV Rebate Program webpage. Updated forms and instructions to submit a rebate application are currently available on the webpage.


The Illinois General Assembly appropriated $14 million to the Illinois EPA for the current fiscal year (FY26), which ends on June 30, 2026. Current applications received represent a fraction of that funding. However, actual funding amounts will be determined by the amount of money available in the Electric Vehicle Rebate Fund.

Rebates will be issued to eligible individuals as funding is available.

As a reminder, program updates effective in FY26 include:

  • Limits on the price of the vehicle: An eligible vehicle, as defined by the EV Rebate Act, is one with a selling price not exceeding $80,000 as shown on the bill of sale.
  • Change to the rebate amount: The rebate is $2,000 for an eligible new or used electric vehicle. Low-income applicants are eligible to receive an additional $2,000 ($4,000 total rebate). The rebate amount for eligible motorcycles remains the same, $1,500 for all eligible applicants.
  • Cap on the income of applicants: An “eligible applicant” is defined as “persons and families whose income does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty line for the current State fiscal year and who may not be claimed as a dependent.” The application materials will include a table on income eligibility.
  • Change to the definition of low-income applicant: A “low-income applicant” is defined as “persons and families whose income does not exceed 80% of the regional or county median income for the current State fiscal year, as established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Illinois Income Limits by metropolitan area and county.” Median income can be found on the HUD website at Illinois Low Income Limits by County.
  • Longer time to apply from the date of vehicle purchase: Applicants have 180 days from the date of purchase to apply (up from 90 days previously). Applications must be submitted during an open application period.

Full eligibility requirements are found in the EV Rebate Act and associated Illinois EPA program rules. Questions about the EV Rebate Program may be submitted to EPA.EV@Illinois.gov.

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)


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

Visit Our Website:

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:

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 Question

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

Additional Info

Media Contact : https://www.elgindevelopment.com/

Related Links : https://www.elgindevelopment.com/

Source : https://www.elgindevelopment.com/

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