Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois has announced a new grant program aimed at supporting manufacturers whose products are made in the state. The program, called Made in Illinois Grants, will provide up to $50,000 in matching grants to small- and mid-sized manufacturers for innovation and strategic advancement. The goal of the program is to boost the state's economy and support the local workforce.

Administered by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program seeks to encourage manufacturers to invest in their businesses and drive economic growth. With $1 million set aside for the grant program, eligible companies have a chance to receive funding that can help them enhance their operations and stay competitive in the market.

Applications for the Made in Illinois Grants are now open and will be accepted until March 31, 2024. To be eligible, companies must meet certain criteria. They must be an Illinois manufacturer, as designated by a North American Industry Classification System code starting with 31-33. Additionally, they should have between 5 and 250 employees and have been operating in Illinois for at least 3 years. Furthermore, they must have had sales revenue in the last 12 months prior to the application date.

The grant program aims to provide a boost to small- and mid-sized manufacturers who often face financial constraints when it comes to investing in innovation and strategic advancement. By offering matching grants, the program allows manufacturers to leverage the funding and make significant improvements to their operations.

In a statement, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center highlighted the importance of supporting local manufacturers. "Manufacturing plays a crucial role in our state's economy, and it is essential that we provide resources and opportunities to help manufacturers thrive," said the spokesperson. "The Made in Illinois Grants will help small- and mid-sized manufacturers invest in innovation, enhance their competitiveness, and create more jobs for the local workforce."

Manufacturers in Illinois are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the Made in Illinois Grants. By doing so, they can access funding that will enable them to enhance their operations, drive growth, and contribute to the overall economic development of the state.

To learn more about the grant program and submit an application, interested manufacturers can visit the official website at https://www.imec.org/madeinillinois.