The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced the Workforce Training Support Program grant opportunity for the fiscal year 2025. This program aims to provide Illinois manufacturers with financial assistance to train and retain a skilled workforce. The program is designed to supplement the existing Employer Training Investment Program, which has seen a high volume of applications. Through this initiative, Illinois manufacturers can offer structured educational programs to enhance technical skills, equipment operation, efficiency, and safety compliance, ultimately improving workforce productivity and business growth.

The total funding available for this program is $2,600,000, sourced from state funds through the Fast Track Workforce Program. Only one award will be granted. The grant will cover up to 50% of a participating entity’s actual training expenses, with the requirement that entities contribute an equal or greater matching amount. Allowable expenses include personal services (salaries and wages) and training and education costs. The performance period for the grant is from April 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, with costs incurred from January 1, 2025, also eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible applicants must be nonprofit business or industry associations based in Illinois that support the manufacturing workforce through specialized training programs. Applicants must currently participate in the DCEO’s Employer Training Investment Program and serve both small and large companies across all regions of Illinois. Additionally, they must have expended at least 80% of their State Fiscal Year 2025 Employer Training Investment Program funds before applying for this grant.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM CST on April 17, 2025. Required submission documents include a uniform grant application, a budget template provided by DCEO, a conflict of interest disclosure, mandatory disclosures, and additional program-specific materials. Applications must be submitted via an electronic form at the designated web portal. The grant selection process is merit-based, with evaluation criteria focused on need, capacity, and quality, scoring a total of 100 points.

The grantee will be responsible for increasing the number of participating manufacturers and employees supported through training programs. Performance metrics include the number of manufacturers involved, employees trained, and total training hours completed. A goal has been set for the grantee to support at least 46 participating entities and train approximately 14,500 full-time employees, including 2,500 new trainees.

The grant requires compliance with various state and federal policies, including nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity regulations. Awarded entities must adhere to periodic performance reporting, financial monitoring, and audit requirements. For more information, applicants can contact Sabrina Canela at sabrina.canela@illinois.gov or visit DCEO’s grant opportunities page.