Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

03/17/2023

🎬BREAKING 🎬

productions reached record-breaking expenditures in 2022 - nearly $700 million - exceeding the pre-pandemic record by $130 MILLION!

With robust incentives, a diverse workforce and iconic locations, Illinois is proud to be a renowned production powerhouse https://bit.ly/40jC3q7

03/16/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Grant Establishment Manager Team B
✔️ CEJA Division Manager
✔️ Senior Bid Credit Program Manager
✔️ Exec II Team B (Office of Grants Management)

Apply today!
https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV

03/15/2023

DCEO and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network are proud to celebrate ! Illinois small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and SBDC’s support their success through a variety of services.

Learn more at https://americassbdc.org/sbdcday/

03/14/2023

How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Illinois

During Women’s HERstory Month, be sure to support IL’s amazing women-owned businesses throughout the state, especially those in the Enjoy Illinois program. Find one near you! https://bit.ly/3LjANit

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate, commemorate and study the many contributions and accomplishments women have made in Illinois...

03/13/2023

As part of Women’s HERstory Month in March, DCEO is hosting two upcoming small business webinars focused cash flow & the importance of becoming a certified Women-Owned business.

Managing Cash Flow
✅Wednesday, March 15: 1-2 PM
✅Register: https://bit.ly/3SEi16Y

Certifying as Women-Owned Business
✅Thursday, March 16: 10-11 AM
✅Register: https://bit.ly/41Bhdnh

03/10/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Accountability Program Manager
✔️ VCP Investment Coordinator
✔️ External Audit Review Manager
✔️ Human Services Grants-Coordinator & Trainee

Apply today! https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV

03/09/2023

As part of Women’s HERstory Month, join us for a webinar focused on the
many opportunities available for certified women-owned businesses:

✅ Thursday, March 16: 10-11 AM
✅ Register: https://bit.ly/41Bhdnh

03/08/2023

Today is ! To celebrate, we’re highlighting exemplary business leaders who have achieved international success while helping grow IL’s economy – check out their profiles here: https://bit.ly/3ZqL0xC

03/07/2023

More than 50 localities have been selected to receive Energy Transition Community Grants. The $40 million program under provides critical funding for communities impacted by fossil fuel plant or coal mine closures or reductions.

https://bit.ly/41WeRzU

03/07/2023

As part of Women’s HERstory Month in March, DCEO is hosting a webinar focused on helping small businesses manage their cash flow during any economic climate.

✅Wednesday, March 15: 1-2 PM
✅Register: https://bit.ly/3SEi16Y

03/06/2023

If you’re a government entity/business/non-profit interested in developing your land to attract large scale industrial investment, be sure to apply for funding through Rebuild Illinois:

✅Application Deadline – April 6, 2023
✅Program Info: https://bit.ly/3RAVibj

03/03/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Accountability Program Manager
✔️ VCP Investment Coordinator
✔️ External Audit Review Manager
✔️ Human Services Grants-Coordinator & Trainee

Apply today! https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV

03/02/2023

New John Deere parts distribution center in central Illinois could employ more than 200 workers

ICYMI: Moline-Based John Deere continues to invest in Illinois’ communities.
Deere’s new distribution center will open this spring in Mattoon, bringing more than 200 new jobs to Coles County. bit.ly/3y5VDdh

The property owner, Phoenix Investors, that is bringing John Deere to the former LSC plant also recently purchased the former GE plant in Mattoon.

03/02/2023

Congratulations to Northwestern University, The University of Chicago
and University Of Illinois Urbana Champaign for being selected by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to launch a new state-of-the-art in Chicago. The investment will enable groundbreaking advancements in science & health in Illinois. https://bit.ly/3kHPpx8

03/01/2023

Illinois is proud to celebrate Women’s HERstory Month! Throughout March, DCEO will host events focused on business resources and advice from women leaders and recognize Illinois’ women-owned businesses.

Please join us as we celebrate Illinois women! Visit our website for information and resources. https://bit.ly/41yfG1t

03/01/2023

With hundreds of companies investing in Illinois, Site Selection ranked our state 2nd in the nation for corporate projects and named Chicago the Top Metro for the 10th year in a row.

Illinois is the best state to live, work and do https://bit.ly/41MaAim

02/28/2023

Historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas features Alton in new tourism video

Black history is deeply rooted in Illinois, and is a powerful reminder to celebrate and elevate Black excellence year-round. One way to honor IL’s history is to visit the many significant places across the state, like Alton. (Story via The Telegraph
featuring Shermann Dilla Thomas: https://bit.ly/3xVwEt8)

The first video in a new Illinois Office of Tourism series, “Discover Illinois with...

02/27/2023

As part of Women’s HERstory Month in March, DCEO’s Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is hosting a webinar focused on small business resources for accessing capital.

✅Wednesday, March 1: 10-11 AM
✅Register: https://bit.ly/3ZceWO8

02/27/2023

DCEO is proud to represent the State of Illinois at Mobile World Congress from 2/27-3/2! Drop by our booth to learn what makes IL a global leader in mobile communication and information technology:

✔️Hall 7 Stand C21

02/24/2023

During Black History Month, DCEO is proud to feature Illinois’ Black owned businesses. Toyin Kolawole is the founder/owner of Iya Foods in Naperville. Iya creates a variety of innovative grocery products using plant-based African Superfoods. Here’s what she had to say about the importance of .

“Black History Month is an opportunity to highlight the stories that motivate all of us to be stronger allies, jointly working towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in every facet of American life..”

Find out more about this business at https://www.iyafoods.com/.

02/24/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ VCP Investment Coordinator
✔️ Assistant Deputy Director of OET
✔️ External Audit Review Manager

Apply today! https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV

02/23/2023

Cyber-Safe Incentive Program - IMEC

Need help covering cybersecurity costs? IMEC launched a grant program to reimburse cybersecurity implementation and monitoring expenses up to $25,000 for eligible Illinois manufacturers.

Apply by March 31: https://www.imec.org/cybersafe/

We recognize the high costs of a commitment to cybersecurity by removing hurdles in funding and knowledge to improve your cyber readiness. Eligible manufacturers may be awarded up to $25,000 to reimburse documented expenditures of contractual services, infrastructure costs (software/hardware), and o...

02/23/2023

Before I became Governor, Illinois hadn't seen a credit upgrade in over 20 years.

I'm proud to announce today we've received our seventh credit upgrade in less than two years from S&P Global Ratings — saving Illinoisans millions and getting our state's finances back on track.

02/23/2023

During , we’re celebrating and recognizing DCEO Team Members. Meet Sharon Polk, who currently manages the Apprenticeship Education Expense Tax Credit Program.

“During Black History Month I enjoy expanding my knowledge of Black history by watching documentaries, reading, and listening to podcasts, celebrating the accomplishments of these history makers,” said Sharon.

02/22/2023

Acting Dir. Richards & Team DCEO are honored to join Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs for the annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference alongside hundreds of Illinois leaders who strive to improve the quality of life for our State’s rural residents.

02/22/2023

Discover Illinois with Dilla: Alton, IL

02/21/2023

DCEO, Chicago State University and The Chicago Urban League are hosting an in-person event to discuss findings from the Illinois Statewide Black Business Survey. Join us!

✅ 2/28, 10a-Noon at Chicago Urban League
✅ Register: https://bit.ly/3Z7Tt8r

02/20/2023

is a perfect time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of our nation’s leaders, including the values of democracy & freedom that we enjoy in our country.

02/17/2023

Honored to join Governor JB Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and McDonald's
leadership to recognize and celebrate outstanding Black-owned businesses in Illinois including the Black McDonald’s Operators Association, Two Fish, Batter & Berries and
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3Ivvzyg

02/17/2023

During Black History Month, DCEO is featuring Black owned businesses and their amazing contributions to the Illinois’ economy. Ben McMillan is the founder and principal of IDG Architects. Based in Peoria with offices in Houston and Dallas, the firm offers a full-range of architectural services and will do “whatever it takes” to assist clients in having the most efficient, functional, and well-designed facilities. Here’s what he had to say about the importance of .

“Black History Month provides the opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements that African Americans have accomplished in this country, despite a history of racism and oppression.”

Find out more about this business at https://idgarch.com/.

02/16/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Accountability Program Manager
✔️ External Audit Review Manager
✔️ Statistical Research Technician

Apply today! https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV

02/15/2023

Are you a government entity/business/non-profit interested developing your land to attract large scale industrial investment? Register for the webinar to learn more about this new grant opportunity:

✅Webinar - 2/21, 2:00pm: https://bit.ly/3YRedBf
✅Program Info: https://bit.ly/3RAVibj

02/14/2023

Team DCEO was honored to tour the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation Center and present Jackie Joyner-Kersee with a proclamation. The JJK Foundation has a tremendous impact in Metro East, providing a safe haven & learning environment for area youth. Learn more about the JJK Foundation here: https://jjkfoundation.org/

02/14/2023

During , we’re celebrating and recognizing DCEO Team Members. Meet Yvonne Tate, who has served in the Director’s Office since 2020.

“I am thankful for this time of year devoted to recognizing African Americans and their accomplishments in America, but as a Black person in America, I need to recognize and honor my culture all year long,” said Yvonne.

02/14/2023

Find Homemade — and Handmade — Valentine’s Day Gifts from Illinois Makers

Attention Cupid procrastinators! 💘

Find a unique last-minute Valentine’s Day gift by visiting one of the many amazing Illinois Makers throughout the state. https://bit.ly/3kEDnEj

Sweet treats, flowers and handmade gifts made by Illinois Made Makers.

02/13/2023

During Black History Month, DCEO is featuring Black owned businesses & their important contributions. With four generations of family ownership, Ponds Funeral Home in Rockford takes a people-first approach to supporting families in their time of need. Here’s what one of the owners, Timothy Nabors, Jr. had to say about the importance of .

“Black history is important to me because our kings and queens need knowledge of that history in order to know the foundation on which they stand.”

Find out more about this business at https://www.pondsfuneralhome.com/

02/12/2023

Illinois is proud to be the Land of Lincoln. On this national holiday, we honor Lincoln’s contributions to our great country and recognize the many ways he has inspired generations to strive for progress in the face of adversity.

02/10/2023

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including:

✔️ Apprenticeship Initiative Manager
✔️ EDGE/LBDP Program Manager
✔️ Weatherization Specialist
✔️ Workforce System Integration Manager

Apply today! https://bit.ly/3MNt2zV