Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Program (EEC Program)

Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Program (EEC Program)

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

Apply Now through 
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) is launching the Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Program (EEC Program) to provide grants to eligible career education agencies and not-for-profit corporations, including, but not limited to, local development corporations, chambers of commerce, community-based business outreach centers and other community based organizations; that offer training, mentorship, support, resources and other enterprise-building opportunities to various individuals seeking to explore business enterprise opportunities.

The EEC Program was created to address the need for tailored support at a local, community and cultural level for Illinoisans in targeted populations in the business community, including minorities, women, individuals with a disability, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth entrepreneurs. Through this new grant program, EECs will aim to create an inclusive business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers of entry and growth through dynamic partnerships, targeted outreach, and tailored programs and initiatives.

The anticipated start date for awards is January 1, 2024. The period of performance is expected to be January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025.

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
To read the NOFO, please click HERE. For more information about this NOFO, supporting documents, etc. click HERE.

Eligibility
The following organizations are eligible to apply to become an Illinois EEC:
•    Career education agencies

•    Non-profit organizations, including but not limited to local development corporations, chambers of commerce, community-based outreach centers, and community-based organizations that provide services to minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs

Each center must:
•    Have a designated EEC Program Director

•    Be operated by a Board of Directors representing community leaders in business, education, finance, and government

•    Be incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation

•    Be located in an area accessible to eligible Program Participants

Grant Funding Information
•    Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this first round of funding is $2,500,000.

•    Awards will range from $250,000 to $500,000.

•    The Department expects to provide no more than 10 awards though this NOFO

Eligible Expenses under this opportunity are limited to:
•    the cost of services and expenses to have an EEC Program Director

•    the cost of services and expenses for EEC 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 EEC program

Pre-qualification
As a reminder, with this NOFO and applying to any other IL State grants, an entity must be pre-qualified. For more information on that process, please watch this short video. 
•    To read the GATA guide in English and Spanish.

•    Click HERE for upcoming Pre-Qualification Trainings.  

•    Click HERE for brief training videos for potential grantees.

Application 
Applications along with supporting documentation must be submitted by completing the Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Submission Form.

•    Applicants must fill out the documents outlined below: 
•    Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format. Signature page MUST be printed, signed, scanned, and submitted with application.

•    Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project. The entire budget with all worksheets included even if the worksheets are not relevant to the grant opportunity MUST be submitted with the application materials. Signature page MUST be printed, signed, scanned, and submitted with application.

•    Completed Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Smartsheet Submission Form

•    NOFO Program Application, including the following attachments 
•    An electronic/digital photo of project location and copy of the CDFI Map Area, if applicable
•    Mission Statement
•    Articles of Incorporation
•    Copies of Organizational Chart
•    Proof of Partnership/Backing Documents
•    Staff/Board of Directors/Partner Resumes
•    Referral Letters/Letters of Support

•    Conflict of Interest Disclosure

•    Mandatory Disclosures

•    Other supplemental documentation 

•    Grant grantees must complete a Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA) Questionnaire. This questionnaire is included within the NOFO Program Application and should be completed when submitting your application.

DEADLINE
•    5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Late submissions will not be reviewed or accepted. 
•    Applications must be submitted via the Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers Submission Form.

NOFO for Illinois EEC Program Webinars/Events
•    Tuesday | October 17, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Register 
•    Thursday | October 19, 2023 | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Register 
•    Thursday | October 26, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Register 
•    Wednesday | November 1, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Register

Team OMEE will be on hand to share more information on the NOFO and answer your questions. Go to OMEE Events webpage to find more upcoming events.

Questions
Please send application inquiries to ceo.omeegrant@illinois.gov