As part of our mission to support the businesses of La Grange, we’re sharing the latest updates and opportunities from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Here are a few highlights that may benefit your business or nonprofit this summer:
🏳️🌈 Celebrating Pride Month
The State of Illinois is honoring Pride Month 2025 with a series of events and programs recognizing LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and community members. Resources include:
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Business tours of LGBTQIA+ owned companies
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Events from the Illinois Office of Tourism
Local connections and inclusion matter—check out the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois or reach out if you’d like help promoting your La Grange-based LGBTQ+ business.
💡 Grants & Programs You Should Know About
🛒 Illinois Grocery Initiative – Round 2
Independent grocery stores (for-profit or nonprofit) can apply for grants to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment like HVAC, refrigeration, or lighting. Matching funds required.
🗓 Deadline: December 15, 2025
🌐 Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD)
Funding is available to bring broadband to underserved areas.
🗓 Deadline: July 16, 2025
⚡ Clean Energy Grant Programs
DCEO is offering grants to support renewable energy and community solar development, especially in disadvantaged communities.
👉 Programs include:
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Equitable Energy Future Grant
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Community Solar Energy Sovereignty
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Energy Transition Community Grants
🛠️ Workforce Development & Bid Credit Programs
If you work with or employ graduates from Illinois’ Pre-Apprenticeship Program, you could earn bid credits for future public works contracts—making your bids more competitive.
Plus, through the Office of Employment & Training, there are multiple programs that connect businesses with a skilled workforce:
📚 Grant Trainings & Help Desk Support
New to grants? DCEO is hosting free virtual trainings every month. Topics include:
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Writing a Grant Application (🗓 September 17)
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Capital Grants (🗓 October 15)
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Audits & Documentation (🗓 December 17)
✅ Plus, you can attend open Q&A sessions on Tuesdays at 2pm for live support.
🔗 Learn more at: DCEO Grant Resources
🌎 Other Notable Opportunities
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Natural Areas Stewardship Grants for conservation nonprofits (🗓 Apply by June 13)
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Lead Service Line Inventory Grants from the Illinois EPA
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Creative Learning Grants for schools to enhance arts education (up to $20K)
📩 Need Help Navigating These Resources?
Reach out to LGBA—we’re happy to help point you in the right direction or connect you with a state contact.