CIDP - Central Illinois Development Partnership - <Logo>

Localities:

Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area

City of Clinton

Village of Danvers

Village of Dwight

Community & Economic Development Foundation of Ford County

Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development

City of Pontiac

Woodford County

Streator Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry

State of Illinois - Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Utilities:

Ameren

Nicor Gas

Private Sector:

Thomas N. Jacob & Associates/The Economic Development Group, Ltd.

Finance & Incentives


State - Illinois


Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity- top of page

Business Enterprise Act          PDF
The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities Act helps state government promote the economic development of businesses certified as owned and controlled by minorities, females and persons with disabilities. It does so by establishing a goal that at least 19 percent of procurement contracts let by the state go to businesses certified under the Act. There are currently 62 agencies and nine universities letting contracts subject to the Act.

Program Activities
Day-to-day activities designed to help meet the contracting goal:

  • Agency Training Program staff work with each agency’s purchasing group to educate them about the Act and provide them with information about BEP-certified businesses interested in contracting with the state.
  • Compliance and Monitoring Program staff help ensure that agencies actively consider BEP-certified businesses when issuing bids/proposals or when entering into contracts.

Program Eligibility
The program is open to:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): A business concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more minority persons or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more minority persons, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more minority individuals who own it. The 51 percent owners must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens.

Minority is defined as:

  • Black/African American: A person having origins in any of the black racial groups in Africa
  • Hispanic: A person of Spanish or Portuguese culture with origins in Mexico, South or Central America or the Caribbean Islands, Spain or Portugal regardless of race
  • Asian American: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent or the Pacific
  • Native American or Alaskan Native: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America

Female Business Enterprise (FBE): A business concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more females or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more females, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more females who own it. The 51 percent owners must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens.

Person with a Disability (PBE): A business concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more persons with a disability or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more persons with a disability, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more persons with a disability who own it. The 51 percent owners must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens. The Act also qualifies not-for-profit agencies for persons with a disability organized pursuant to Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (this is the only instance in which not-forprofit entities are eligible under the Act).

Combinations: When a business concern is owned by at least 51 percent of any combination of minority persons, females, or persons with disabilities, even though none of the three classes alone holds at least a 51 percent interest, the ownership requirement for purposes of the Business Enterprise Act is considered to be met. The certification category for the business is that of the class holding the largest ownership in the business.

Annual Sales Limitation
Eligible businesses must have annual gross sales of $27 million or less for the most recent fiscal period. However, businesses with gross sales over $27 million can apply for a waiver to participate in the program on an individual contract basis, if the contract will provide significant employment and/or subcontracting opportunities for minorities, females and persons with disabilities.

For More Information
You can obtain more information about the program and the necessary forms by contacting:

Business Enterprise Program for
Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities
James R.Thompson Center
100 West Randolph Street
Suite 3-350
Chicago, Illinois  60601
Telephone: (312) 814-4190 (Voice or TDD/TTY)
                 (800) 356-9206 (BEP Toll-Free Line)  
                 (800) 526-0844 (Illinois Relay Center)
                 (312) 814-5539 (Fax)  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Capital Access Program     PDF
The Capital Access Program (CAP) is designed to encourage lending institutions to make loans to businesses that do not qualify for conventional financing. CAP is based on a portfolio insurance concept where the borrower and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity each contribute a percentage of the loan amount into a reserve fund located at the lender's bank. This reserve fund enables the financial institution to make loans beyond its conventional risk threshold and is available to draw upon to recover losses on loans made under the program.

A CAP loan is a private market transaction between the lender and the borrower with all terms, fees, conditions, rates, collateral, etc., being determined by the lending bank. The borrower's non-refundable contribution to the reserve fund must be between 3 and 7 percent of the total loan amount. DCEO will provide a matching contribution. A 133 percent match to the borrower's contribution will be provided on the first $2,000,000 in CAP loans enrolled at the lender bank. A higher match will be provided to minority/woman/disabled owned businesses (150 percent) and businesses located in a federally designated Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community (200 percent). Loan proceeds cannot be used for debt refinancing or for financing passive real estate ownership.

Eligibility
The business must be for-profit, located in Illinois and employ 500 employees or less. The borrower cannot be in the business of manufacturing or selling firearms at wholesale or retailor in the business of manufacturing or selling tobacco products, liquor or sexually explicit materials at wholesale.

Contact Information
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Business Finance Division

Chicago Office:
James R.Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, Suite 3-400Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312) 814-9303 TDD: (800) 419-0667

Springfield Office:
620 East Adams
Springfield, Illinois 62701
(217) 782-3891 TDD: (800) 785-6055

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Illinois Edge          PDF
The Illinois EDGE program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). A Business Investment Committee of the Illinois Economic Development Board (IEDB) makes recommendations regarding the types of projects that may seek this tax credit. DCEO's review will be based on written applications submitted by interested firms.

The amount of the tax credit is calculated on a case-by-case basis. The tax credits could be as high as the amount of tax receipts collected from the Illinois income taxes paid by newly-hired and/or retained employees of the firm as pertaining to the project. As a tax credit, the EDGE program allows a firm to reduce the costs of doing business in Illinois when compared with similar costs in other states where it could have located its operation.

The credits would be available to the firm for up to a total of 10 years for each project. While each annual tax credit amount cannot be larger than the firm's state income tax liability (the income tax credits would not be refundable), the credit can be carried forward for up to five years. Each firm receiving competitive credits would have to maintain the jobs created and/or retained along with the capital investment concurrent with the period in which it claims the credits.

Eligibility
The development project must add to the export potential of Illinois; for example, manufacturing or services exported out of state would be acceptable, but not retail trade and personal services. The project must be an expansion of an existing operation or a new location. Plant relocations within Illinois are eligible for consideration only if there is a documented and substantiated business reason why their current location is inadequate.

Each project must commit to make a capital investment in the state of at least $5 million and must create a minimum of 25 new jobs (excluding recalls, transfers, etc.), or the project must meet the investment and job creation and/or retention requirements as set forth by DCEO. The applicant must demonstrate that if not for the credit , the project would not occur in Illinois by providing documentation evidencing that:

  • The applicant has multi-state location options and could reasonably and efficiently locate outside of the state, or
  • At least one other state is being considered for the project, or
  • Receipt of the credit is a major factor in the applicant's decision and that without the credit, the applicant likely would not create and/or retain jobs in Illinois, or
  • The credit is essential to the applicant's decision to create and/or retain jobs in the state.

The cost differential should be identified, using the best available data, in the projected costs for the applicant's project compared to the projected costs in the competing state, including the impact of the competing state's incentive programs. The cost differential should, for example, demonstrate the following:

  • specific costs of labor, utilities, taxes and other costs of an out-of-state site or the industry's cost structure in the competing region
  • specific cost differential due to the impact of a competing state's incentive programs

Contact Information
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program
620 East Adams, Third Floor
Springfield, Illinois 62701

Dennis Gorss: (217) 524-8449; TDD (800) 785-6055
Fax: (217) 524-4145
dgorss@illinoisbiz.biz


Illinois Finance Authority- top of page
The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is a self-financed, state authority principally engaged in issuing taxable and tax-exempt bonds, making loans and investing capital for businesses, non-profit corporations, agriculture and local government units statewide.

IFA Agriculture Programs         PDF

Beginning Farmer Bond Program

This program provides affordable financing to farmers by using federally tax-exempt bonds ("Aggie Bonds") to reduce the interest rate on a loan to purchase farmland. This program can be used between a buyer and his/her local lender or between a buyer and the seller for a contract purchase. The lender or contract seller make all credit decisions for the loan. Loans may be used to purchase capital assets including farmland, new or used farm improvements or buildings, new equipment and used equipment when purchased with farmland. Loan proceeds may not be used to finance a residence. The maximum loan size is $250,000. 

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Have a net worth of less than $500,000
  • Borrower will be the principal user of the capital item
  • Have not owned a significant amount of farmland

State Guarantee Program for Restructuring Agricultural Debt
This loan program allows a farmer to consolidate existing debt and spread the payments out over a longer term. Loans are made through a local lender and the lender will receive an 85 percent guarantee on the principal and interest of the loan. The maximum loan size is $500,000, and 30 years is the longest term available. The interest rate can be variable or fixed and must be less than the market rate of interest generally available to the borrower.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Must be the principal operator of a farm who derives at least 50 percent of gross income from farming
  • Have a debt/assets ratio between 40 and 65 percent on a current balance sheet
  • Have adequate cash flow and collateral for the loan

Specialized Livestock Guarantee Program 
This program is designed to provide family-sized livestock operations the access to capital needed to enter, upgrade or expand their livestock business. Local lenders receive an 85 percent guarantee of the principal and interest on the loan. Loan proceeds may be used for the purchase of capital assets used in livestock production. This includes construction, purchase or remodeling of livestock facilities and the purchase of equipment and/or breeding livestock.  Purchases cannot be made more than six months prior to IFA loan approval. The maximum loan size is $1,000,000, and the maximum term is 15 years. The interest rate can be variable or fixed, and the interest rate must be less than the market rate of interest generally available to the borrower.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Borrower or the owner of a partnership or corporation must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Applicant must be the principal operator and materially involved in the operation
  • Debt/asset ratio of borrower generally should not exceed 70 percent after the project is considered unless risk reduction measures are undertaken
  • Cash flow and collateral must be adequate for the loan

Value-Added Stock Purchase
These loans are made by local lenders who receive an 85 percent guarantee on the principal and interest of loans to Illinois farmers planning to purchase stock in value-added entities that further process their commodities. Loan proceeds are used to purchase stock in a value-added entity. In conjunction with a purchase, debt may be refinanced to improve lien position or financial structure, up to the amount of the purchase. A portion of the stock can be used as collateral for this loan.  The maximum loan size is $100,000, and maximum term is 10 years.  The interest rate can be variable or fixed and must be less than the market rate of interest generally available to the borrower.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Borrower or the owner of a partnership or corporation must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Applicant must be the principal operator and materially involved in the operation
  • Debt/asset ratio of borrower generally should not exceed 70 percent after the project is considered unless risk reduction measures are undertaken
  • Cash flow and collateral must be adequate for the loan

Young Farmer Guarantee Program
This program allows farmers to make capital purchases that will expand or upgrade their operation. Loans are made by local lenders who receive an 85 percent guarantee of the principal and interest on the loan. The loan proceeds may be used for the purchase of farm related capital assets including farmland, machinery and breeding livestock. The maximum loan size is $500,000, and the maximum term is 15 years. The interest rate can be variable or fixed and must be less than the market rate of interest generally available to the borrower.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Must be the principal operator of a farm who derives at least 50 percent of gross income from farming
  • Must have a net worth of at least $10,000
  • Debt/asset ratio of borrower cannot exceed 70 percent after the project is considered
  • Cash flow and collateral must be adequate for the loan. 

State Guarantee Program for Agri-Industries
This program is designed for farmers and agribusinesses that wish to diversify into new enterprises or to further process existing crops or livestock. Loans can be made to farmers or agribusinesses to purchase new or used property, equipment or other capital items that will be used for one of the following purposes:

  1. Growth and development of  new crops or livestock not customarily grown in Illinois
  2. The further processing of grain or livestock grown in the state 

Loans are made through a local lender who receives an 85 percent guarantee on the principal and interest of the loan. The interest rate can be variable or fixed and must be less than the market rate of interest generally available to the borrower.  

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Must be an Illinois resident at least 18 years old
  • Must be the principal operator of a farm or land
  • Must have at least 50 percent of gross income come from farming
  • Must have a gross income of at least $20,000 based on previous years tax return
  • Must have a net worth less than $500,000
  • An agribusiness must be located in Illinois, and the products used must be or will soon be grown in Illinois
  • Must have a cash flow and collateral adequate for the loan

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/programs.html#VA

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IFA Industrial Participation Loan Program          PDF
The Illinois Finance Authority assists Illinois businesses that create or retain jobs by offering a loan participation program in conjunction with their banks. Through this program the Authority will purchase up to the lesser of $1,000,000, or a 50 percent participation in the loan, directly from the borrower’s bank. Details are available from your IFA Funding Manager.

Benefits

  • Participation loans will finance the purchase of land or buildings, construction or renovation of buildings and acquisition of machinery and equipment.
  • Interest rates are 200 basis points (i.e., 2.0 percent) below the rate charged to the borrower by the bank, thereby resulting in a lower blended interest rate on the loan. Participating banks may retain up to 100 basis points as a servicing fee. A minimum of 100 basis points must be passed on to the borrower.
  • IFA will share in all collateral prorated on a first mortgage position (pari passu) with the bank
  • Long-term maturities, with a maximum term of 10 years
  • Single application process

Type of Financing
Participating banks will originate, underwrite and service all loans. IFA staff will review the bank’s analysis to assure it meets IFA standards. If the maturity exceeds 10 years, IFA requires a balloon payment at the end of 10 years.

Eligibility
Financing is available to businesses in Illinois that create new or retain existing jobs. Funds from the participation purchased by IFA must be used primarily for the acquisition of fixed assets.

Fee
There are no IFA fees. Participating banks may retain a servicing fee; a minimum of 100 basis points are passed on to the borrower.

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/ind_part.html

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IFA Industrial Revenue Bond          PDF
The Illinois Finance Authority issues tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB’s) on behalf of manufacturing companies to finance the acquisition of fixed assets such as land, buildings and equipment. Bond proceeds also may be used for either new construction or renovation.

Benefits
Benefits of Industrial Revenue Bond financing include:

  • Long-term financing at interest rates lower than conventional financing, usually below prime
  • Fixed or variable rate financing
  • Finance up to 100 percent of project cost (subject to credit approval and underwriting standards of the borrower’s bank)

Type of Financing
Because of significant up-front costs of issuance, Industrial Revenue Bond issues of less $1.5 million generally are not cost effective. Smaller fixed asset projects may be eligible for financing through other IFA loan programs.

For most companies, bank participation is necessary before bonds can be sold to investors. The participating bank will make the credit decision, structure terms and set collateral requirements. Banks can either (1) guarantee the bonds by providing a Direct Pay Letter of Credit or (2) purchase bonds directly to hold as an investment in their portfolio.

Eligibility
Qualified Industrial Revenue Bond projects include facilities that are primarily used to manufacture or process tangible products. The Internal Revenue Code defines all IRB eligibility requirements. Final determination of project eligibility is subject to a legal opinion from a recognized municipal bond attorney. A completed Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS) and a Volume Cap Application must accompany the Industrial Revenue Bond application.

Fee
A non-refundable application fee is due when the application is submitted. There are also closing fees plus other applicable charges. For a fee schedule, contact a funding manager at your local IFA office. In most cases, applications can be reviewed by staff and considered by the Board of Directors within 30 to 45 days of submission.

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/ind_irb.html

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IFA Not-for-Profit Bond Program          PDF
The Illinois Finance Authority helps non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporations secure low-cost, tax-exempt financing for capital improvement projects through tax-exempt revenue bonds.

Benefits
Tax-exempt bond financing affords qualified non-profits the opportunity to purchase capital equipment without depleting cash reserves or paying the higher costs of traditional debt financing. Benefits of bond financing include:

  • Favorable interest rates - considerably less than conventional loans
  • Long-term financing
  • Fixed or variable rate financing
  • Up to 100 percent financing

Type of Financing
Tax-exempt financing may be used by non-profits for the acquisition, construction or
renovation of real estate; the acquisition of machinery, equipment or other fixed assets or, in some cases, refinancing outstanding debt. The maturity of the debt will generally match the useful lives of the assets financed.

Eligibility
Any non-profit corporation with a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service may be eligible for financing. Projects must be located in the state of Illinois. Final determination of project eligibility is subject to a legal opinion from a recognized municipal bond attorney.

Fee
A non-refundable application fee is due when the application is submitted. A closing fee based on the principal amount of bonds issued is paid to the Authority at closing. The Authority does not charge an annual fee. In most cases, applications can be reviewed by staff and considered by the Board of Directors within 30 to 45 days of submission.

Contacts
Chicago office: (312) 651-1300
Springfield office: (217) 782-5792
Peoria office: (309) 495-5959
Carbondale office: (618) 453-5566

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/nfp_501bond.html

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IFA Not-for-Profit Lease Program          PDF
The Illinois Finance Authority provides non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporations with low cost, tax-exempt lease financing for acquisition of machinery, equipment or other fixed asset and capital improvement projects.

Benefits
Leasing affords qualified non-profits the opportunity to purchase capital equipment without depleting cash reserves or paying the high cost of traditional debt financing.

  • 100 percent tax-exempt financing
  • Favorable interest rates –considerably less than conventional loans
  • Low transaction costs

Type of Financing
Capital equipment and certain real estate purchases are financed with a lease purchase agreement between the not-for-profit corporation and the Illinois Finance Authority. The maturity of the lease will generally match the useful lives of the assets financed, up to 10 years.

Eligibility
Any non-profit corporation with a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service may be eligible for financing. Final determination of project eligibility is subject to a legal opinion from a recognized municipal bond attorney. Projects must be located in the state of Illinois. The maximum lease term is 10 years.

Fee
A non-refundable application fee is due when the application is submitted. A closing fee based on the face amount of the lease is due at closing. In most cases, applications can be reviewed by staff and considered by the Board of Directors within 30 to 45 days of submission.

Contacts

  • Chicago office: (312) 651-1300
  • Springfield office: (217) 782-5792
  • Peoria office: (309) 495-5959
  • Carbondale office: (618) 453-5566

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/nfp_501lease.html

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IFA Technology Development Bridge Seed Stage Venture Capital Fund     PDF
The Technology Development Bridge is an Illinois venture capital fund that provides seed stage equity financing to small technology companies. It is an innovative public-private partnership, developed by the Illinois Coalition and funded by the IFA, aimed at helping technology firms access capital they need to grow and create jobs.

Benefits

  • It provides seed and early-stage equity financing that is often difficult to obtain.
  • Leverages private venture investment by accredited venture capital investors.
  • Equity investments typically range from $150,000 to $300,000.

Type of Financing
IFA venture capital investments provide venture and seed financing to Illinois businesses that have the potential to stimulate long-term employment and economic activity in Illinois. Investments require a co-investment by one or more professional venture investors. Businesses are required to locate their operations in the state of Illinois. IFA will "match”the terms set forth by a qualified co-investor.

Eligibility
Candidates must be small, privately-owned businesses with less than 50 employees. The company must be developing or commercializing a new technology or invention. The investment represents financing for applied research, development and testing and initial marketing of a technology, product, process or invention.

Fee
There is no fee.

Contact
To learn more about the Technology Development Bridge, contact Chris Vandenberg in the Chicago office at (312) 651-1300. 

SOURCE: http://www.il-fa.com/products/sb_vc.html


Illinois State Treasurer- top of page

State Treasurer's Economic Program (STEP)     PDF
STEP was created to encourage and promote economic development and expansion of businesses in Illinois. Every STEP project is approved at the exclusive discretion of the Treasurer’s Office. However, loans are not made directly to the borrower. The financial institution that receives the discounted deposit determines the credit worthiness of the borrower. STEP provides Illinois companies with access to affordable capital to expand their operations and retain or create jobs in the state.

For each permanent full-time job* that is created or retained, the Treasurer can deposit up to $25,000 at below market rates into the borrower’s financial institution. That institution will then lend the money at below prevailing interest rates to the borrower.

 Eligible projects should meet the following general guidelines:

  • Existing Illinois for-profit business
  • The project must create and/or retain a minimum of three Illinois jobs.
  • The borrower must be able to demonstrate that the State will gain long-term benefits from the project.
  • The borrower must have the financial ability to carry out the project.

 Eligible use of funds:

  • Real estate acquisition
  • New construction or remodeling
  • Machinery or equipment

 Linked-deposit loan amounts and terms:

  • Maximum loan amount: $10 million
  • Two-year loan term with possible three-year renewal
  • $25,000 for each job created and/or retained
  • Financial institutions are capped at a 3 percent mark-up on the state's deposit rate. For the current deposit rate, go to www.state.il.us/treas/. Click on Daily Rates.

*Two part-time jobs equal one full-time job.

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STEP Small Business     PDF
The STEP Small Business Program* encourages the creation and retention of jobs and business activity, recognizing that small businesses are often where today's jobs are being created. The program gives small businesses the ability to get a low-interest loan to help them get up and running or to keep them in business giving them a better chance of survival and long-term success.

 Eligibility requirements:

  • For brand-new start-up businesses or existing businesses
  • Brand-new start-up business must create a minimum of two jobs
  • Annual gross sales/revenue (or estimated) of $2 million or less

 Eligible use of funds:

  • Real estate acquisition, new construction or remodeling
  • Machinery or equipment
  • Working capital
  • Inventory

 Linked-deposit loan amounts and terms:

  • Minimum loan, $2,500; Maximum loan, $750,000
  • Two-year loan term with possible three-year renewal
  • Financial institutions are capped at a 3 percent mark-up on the state's deposit rate. For the current state deposit rate, go to www.state.il.us/treas/. Click on Daily Rates.

*The STEP Small Business Program is available to assist in our state's economic recovery period commencing July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2006.

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Economic Recovery Loan Program (ER)          PDF
The focus of ER is to bring new jobs to Illinois - good-paying jobs with benefits. For each new full-time job that is created, Treasurer Topinka can deposit up to $50,000 at below market rates into the borrower's financial institution. A financial institution then can lend the money at below prevailing market rates to borrowers.

 Eligibility requirements:

  • Out-of-state business looking to locate in Illinois for the first time
  • Project must bring new, good-paying jobs with benefits to Illinois
  • Borrower must have the financial ability to carry out the project
  • Demonstrate that the State of Illinois will gain long-term benefits from the project

 Eligible use of funds:

  • Real estate acquisition
  • New construction or remodeling
  • Machinery or equipment

 Linked-deposit loan amounts and terms:

  • Maximum loan amount: $10 million
  • Two-year loan term with possible three-year renewal
  • $50,000 for each job created
  • Financial institutions are capped at a 2 percent mark-up on the state's deposit rate. For the current state deposit rate, go to www.state.il.us/treas/. Click on Daily Rates.

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For more information on any of these programs, call (312) 814-1788 (Chicago) or (217) 557-6436 (Springfield), or log on to www.state.il.us/treas/programs/program_page.htm.

SOURCE: Division of Economic Opportunity brochure from Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois State Treasurer.


Workforce Assistance- top of page

Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP)          PDF
The Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) helps keep Illinois workers’skills in pace with new technologies and business practices. ETIP grants can reimburse Illinois companies for up to 50 percent of the cost of training their employees. Grants may be awarded to individual businesses, to original equipment manufacturers sponsoring multi-company training for employees of their Illinois supplier companies and to intermediary organizations operating multi-company training projects. 

Employer Training Investment Program / Large Company Component (ETIP/LCC)
There are two ways large Illinois companies (with 250 or more full-time employees) can access state training funds available through the ETIP/LCC. Individual employers may apply for grant funds to assist with training their employees. The multi-company training component allows companies with common employee training needs to join together in meeting these common needs and applying for training funds.

Single Company Training Projects
Individual companies (with 250 or more full-time employees) undertaking eligible training activities may apply for an ETIP/LCC grant. Frequently, these companies are undertaking a major retention, expansion or location project in the state. Other situations which may contribute to an individual company applying for a training grant include a major capital investment in new equipment or technology(ies) or specialized or customized training needs not shared with other companies in the area. 

Multi-Company Training Projects
Companies that have identified common training needs are encouraged to apply for ETIP/LCC grant funds under the program's multi-company training component. An intermediary organization may apply for grant funds on behalf of the companies participating in the project. This organization conducts or sponsors the employee training programs. The intermediary organization coordinates all grant administrative and training evaluation reporting functions on behalf of the companies in the project. 

Eligible applicants include business and industry associations, institutions of higher education, large manufacturers for supplier network companies, labor organizations and strategic business partnerships.

Contact Information
Employer Training Investment Program / Large Company Component
620 East Adams Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL  62701
Tel: (217) 785-6284   Fax: (217) 558-6971
rick_rogers@commerce.state.il.us

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Illinois Job Training Assistance          PDF
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) combines federally-funded job training programs in Illinois into a "workforce development" system where individuals can find a job or train for a new career. Services are provided through the state's one-stop delivery system, the Illinois Employment & Training Center (IETC) network. Individuals in Bloomington-Normal and McLeanCounty that wish to apply for available training programs or obtain other services should report to the IETC office located in Bloomington for assistance.

Three Levels
WIA establishes three basic levels of employment and training services to eligible individuals. All adults, ages 18 or older, are eligible to receive "core services." Additional "intensive services" are available to unemployed individuals who have been unable to obtain jobs through core services and those who are employed but need additional training services to reach self-sufficiency. "Training services" are also available for those who meet intensive services eligibility but are unable to find employment through those services.

Core Services (available to all adults ages 18 years or older):

  • Job search and placement assistance (including career counseling)
  • Labor market information (which identifies job vacancies; skills needed for in-demand jobs; and local, regional, and national employment trends)
  • Initial assessment of skills and needs
  • Information about and costs for local training providers
  • Follow-up services to help customers keep their jobs once they are placed

Intensive Services (available to eligible adults who have been unable to find work through core services or need additional training to reach self-sufficiency):

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Development of individual employment plans
  • Group and individual counseling
  • Case management
  • Short-term prevocational services
  • Out-of-area job search assistance or relocation assistance
  • Internships and literacy activities

Training Services (for those who have received "intensive services" but are still unable to find employment): 

  • Occupational skills training
  • On-the-job training
  • Cooperative education programs and private sector training programs
  • Job readiness training
  • Adult education and literacy activities
  • Customized employer training

Dislocated Worker and Youth Services
To be eligible for the dislocated worker program, a person must have received a layoff notice or have been laid off due to a company closure or mass layoff. Workers may also be eligible if they are currently unemployed and are unlikely to return to their prior occupation due to economic conditions in that industry. 

To be eligible for the youth program, a person must be between the ages of 14 and 21, have low income and have a substantial barrier to employment such as: deficient in basic literacy skills, school dropout, homeless, a runaway or a foster child, pregnant or parenting, an offender or an individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.

Services include:

  • Tutoring, mentoring, study skills training and instruction leading to completion of secondary school
  • Alternative school services
  • Paid and unpaid work experience (such as internships and job shadowing)
  • Occupational skills training
  • Leadership development
  • Supportive services
  • Guidance counseling
  • Follow-up services

 

 

 

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