The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity to fund proposals establishing a network of Clean Energy Contractor Incubators to increase business opportunities for clean energy contractors and nonprofits located in areas impacted by economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Donor Name: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State: Illinois
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Training or Mentorship
Deadline: 12/11/2023
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program (“Program”) will support the development and growth of clean energy contractor businesses and nonprofits that support clean energy. This program will serve businesses that are primarily located in and owned by individuals who reside in areas impacted by economic and environmental challenges. The Department expects to fund at least one award for a Contractor Incubator located in or near each of the following 13 areas: Chicago (South Side); Chicago (Southwest and West Sides); Waukegan; Rockford; Aurora; Joliet; Peoria; Champaign; Danville; Decatur; Carbondale; East St. Louis; and Alton.
This NOFO intends to fund community-based organizations (nonprofit organizations including accredited public colleges or universities) to deliver the Program. The community-based organizations selected to deliver this Program will have a history of providing business-related assistance and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start, run, and grow their businesses; have knowledge of construction and clean energy trades; demonstrate relationships with local residents and other organizations serving the community; and demonstrate the ability to effectively serve equity investment eligible persons and communities.
These Contractor Incubators will provide access to low-cost capital and financial support for eligible clean energy businesses and contractors; provide support for business operations, such as obtaining permits and insurance, and provide training and mentorships; provide recruitment and ongoing engagement with entities that hire contractors and subcontractors for clean energy projects; and connect participant contractors with Department of Labor resources for prevailing wage compliance. The goal is to prepare these companies to participate in business opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Funding Information
Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $21,000,000 for the first 12 months of the awards. Awards will range from $500,000 to $2,500,000 million for the delivery of the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program in each region.
Project Period
The period of performance is expected to be March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
Eligible applicants are community-based organizations, including nonprofit organizations, and accredited public colleges or universities, with demonstrated history and effectiveness in serving program-eligible populations in one or more of these Program Delivery Areas: Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest and West Sides), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton.
Eligible applicants must show evidence of the following attributes:
- have a history of providing business-related assistance and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start, run, and grow their businesses;
- have knowledge of construction and clean energy trades;
- demonstrate relationships with local residents and organizations serving equity investment-eligible communities within the service region; and
- demonstrate the ability to effectively recruit and serve diverse and underrepresented populations in one or more of the Program Delivery Areas.
For more information, visit DCEO.
