Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Program
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations providing business training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers. Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit organizations serving Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI), minority group members, women, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, veterans, youth entrepreneurs, and justice-involved individuals.
The program operates in Illinois only. Funded organizations deliver services through trained instructors and counselors. Activities include technical assistance, business training, mentoring, and resource navigation for startup and existing businesses.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to serve target populations and offer comprehensive support services. Organizations must comply with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity requirements.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 605/605-503, the purpose of the EEC program shall be to provide training, support, resources and opportunities to minority group members, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs. The objective is to create an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth, including those who have been justice-involved. The Department will award grants to eligible applicants who provide Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) business owners, entrepreneurs and/or dislocated workers with technical assistance, training, and access to resources necessary for their start-ups or existing businesses. Eligible expenses under this opportunity are limited to: – the cost of services and expenses of the Program Director; – the cost of services and expenses for instructors of the participating career education agency or not-for-profit corporation; – the cost of services and expenses of the faculty and support personnel thereof; – the cost of services and expenses for any other person in the service of providing instruction and counseling in furtherance of the program. Beneficiaries: Minority group members, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-45-3226).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Community Land Trust
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Grant application form (Illinois GATA)
- Project narrative and service delivery plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Evidence of cost-sharing commitment
- Letters of support from community partners
- Resumes or qualifications of key staff
Program contact
- 👤 Jael Olivares
- 📧 CEO.EECProgram@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,500,000 | |
| 2026 | $2,500,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
For-profit and nonprofit organizations serving minority entrepreneurs, women business owners, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, veterans, youth, and justice-involved entrepreneurs. Organizations must be able to deliver training and technical assistance in Illinois.
What activities are funded?
Business training, technical assistance, mentoring, career counseling, and resource navigation. Salaries for program directors, instructors, faculty, and support staff are allowable expenses.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $250,000 to $500,000. Total program funding is $2,500,000.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate cost-sharing or in-kind contributions. The specific match percentage was not disclosed in available materials.
How often can organizations apply?
This is a rolling application program with no fixed deadline. Organizations may submit applications continuously as funds are available.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify the specific SEDI populations your organization will serve. Use data showing past success with these groups.
- Budget heavily for qualified instructors and program staff. Staffing costs are a primary allowable expense under this grant.
- Document your cost-sharing commitment upfront. Show concrete in-kind or cash contributions from your organization or partners.
- Develop a strong service delivery plan with clear milestones. Include specific metrics for participant training hours, business formation, and job creation.
- Build partnerships with complementary organizations. Connect participants to lenders, mentors, procurement resources, and other support services.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating staffing needs or proposing unqualified instructors. Weak letters of support from community partners or participant testimonies. Vague service delivery plan without specific performance metrics or participant tracking systems.
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