Contractors & Developers

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Contractors & Developers Are Building Illinois' Clean Energy Future
​Contractors and developers are essential to building a clean energy future in Illinois. CEJA programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). These programs support contractors through business development services, provide direct project funding, and connect to CEJA-trained workers.​
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Looking to Grow Your Business?​
CEJA Contractor Incubator & Accelerator Programs
These programs help small businesses, nonprofits, and community-based organizations grow. Services include:
  • Funding support
  • Expert mentoring
  • Licensing and certification help
  • Workforce connections

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Free, one-on-one advising across Illinois. SBDCs can help with: 
  • Business and marketing plans
  • Training opportunities
  • Growth strategies 
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Looking to Fund a New Project?
​CEJA Economic Development Programs
Direct funding for clean energy and energy efficiency projects, especially in communities transitioning away from fossil fuels.


DCEO Grant Opportunities 
Find other active state grant opportunities throughout the year. 


Clean Energy Funding Opportunities
Learn about grants at other state agencies, local- and county-level grants, or private funding. 


Regional Economic Development (RED) Team
Get local connections, tax incentive info, and funding guidance. 

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Looking to Hire?
Energy Workforce Equity Portal
Connect with job seekers in clean energy. The portal links clean energy companies with Equity Eli​gible Persons​ looking for work.
  • Job seekers can post their availability
  • Developers can post jobs and search for workers

Visit the Energy Workforce Equity Portal

Training Partners Near You
DCEO CEJA workforce programs are in 14 regions across Illinois. Training partners help connect employers with trained workers.

Additional Workforce & Labor Resources
​Prevailing Wage Information 
The Prevailing Wage Act governs the wages that a contractor or subcontractor is required to pay to all laborers, workers, and mechanics who perform work on public works projects. As a contractor and developer, understanding the requirements of the Prevailing Wage Act is extremely important. 


Illinois Power Agency (IPA) - Minimum Equity Standards 
If you’re building a project that is in part funded by the IPA, it is important to know about Minimum Equity Standards. These are workforce requirements created under CEJA.