Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Emerging Technological Enterprises Grant Program

The goal of the Emerging Technological Enterprises Program is to provide grants, loans, and other investments to emerging technology enterprises to support and encourage: (i) commercialization of technology based products and services; (ii) technology transfer projects involving the promotion of new or innovative technologies; or (iii) research and development projects to respond to unique, advanced technology projects and which foster the development of Illinois’ economy through the advancement of the State’s economic, scientific, and technological assets.

Projects should indicate a significant potential benefit to the state’s economy. Criteria for evaluation includes the relationship of the proposed project to the State’s future economic growth.
Projects should spur new advances in other Illinois companies and should indicate a significant potential benefit to the state’s economy.

Governor Pat Quinn signed into law bills that create the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now plan, which will revive the state’s ailing economy by creating and retaining over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. Illinois Jobs Now is a capital bill that provides many long-awaited improvements to our bridges and roads, transportation networks, schools and communities. Part of this plan includes $15 million for the Emerging Technological Enterprises program.

The purpose of the program is to foster economic development and increased employment in Illinois. Eligible activities include: acquiring real properties for industrial or commercial site development; acquiring, rehabilitating and reconveying industrial and commercial properties for the purpose of expanding employment and encouraging private and other public sector investment in the economy of Illinois.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGICAL ENTERPRISES APPLICATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Questions and requests pertaining to this program should be directed to Pam Giroux at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Pam.Giroux@illinois.gov.