Application
While the grant is available city-wide, funding is limited. Businesses are strongly encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving support. Applicants should also maintain flexibility in their training plans, as eligible businesses not selected in the initial round may be placed on a waitlist for future funding opportunities.
Eligible TIF Districts
Check your TIF District with the Locator Tool
APPLY HERE
Are there any location requirements for Workforce Solutions?
Yes and no, it depends. Workforce Solutions will support projects city-wide to the extent
possible, however, this will be based on the funding that is already set aside, demand for the
program, etc. One of the funding sources for Workforce Solutions includes Tax Increment
Financing (“TIF”), which is a place-based funding tool. This will limit where some projects can
receive funding based on the applicant’s physical address. However, this should not discourage
potential applicants located in or out of TIF districts from applying, as DPD will do it’s best to
fund any qualifying applications it receives. If for whatever reason all funding has been
exhausted by the time an application is received, the applicant will be placed on a waitlist and
contacted when funding is made available again. In short, the applicant’s physical address
should not be a barrier to applying.
Selection Process
Workforce Solutions applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with quarterly funding round
deadlines in March (Round 1), June (Round 2), September (Round 3) and December (Round 4).
Applicants must complete and submit a City of Chicago Workforce Solutions Grant Application
via the City’s online platform, Submittable. Applicants must complete the free registration with
Submittable to apply.
All proposed projects will be evaluated by E&ES, with funding receiving final approval from
DPD’s Bureau of Small Business Development Workforce Solutions Team.
To Apply
Please complete the application and submit via the Submittable portal.
After submitting your application, you will receive an email within two business days to confirm
the application was received and advised of any preliminary concerns. If you do not receive an
email confirmation within this time, please contact E&ES to verify your application status.
Contact E&ES
