This page offers a high-level summary regarding grant funding and eligibility requirements for the Workforce Solutions program. More in-depth information can be found in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Grant Information

The Workforce Solutions Program is a reimbursement grant that can fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, up to a standard maximum of $250,000.

Projects eligible for 100% reimbursement include:

• Commercial businesses with annual gross sales of up to $1.5 million for each of the past three years
• Industrial business employing a maximum of 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Not-for-profit organizations

For larger businesses, grant funding requires a “match” contribution. Those businesses must demonstratethey will be contributing an amount equal to either 25% or 50% of eligible project costs. Contribution amounts are determined by the size of the business, and matches are required to demonstrate a commitment to the training and its success.

Projects requiring a 25% match include:

• Commercial businesses with annual gross sales between $1.5 million and $5 million for each of the past three years
• Industrial business employing up to 125 FTE employees

Projects requiring a 50% match:

• Commercial business with annual gross sales exceeding $5 million for each of the past three years
• Industrial business employing more than 125 FTE employees

Wages paid to the employee during training may be credited towards the required match.

The funding structure, amount and source of the grant awards are all determined by DPD. All outside financing needed to complete the proposed project is the responsibility of the applicant. These sources generally include a loan from a financial institution or community development corporation.

For On-the-job Training (OJT), the program reimburses up to $20 per hour for up to 40 hours per week for no more than 13 weeks. An applicant may pay above $20 per hour but will only be reimbursed for up to $20 per hour.

Funding Mechanisms

To support the June 16, 2025 citywide expansion of Workforce Solutions, funding will be provided through the City's Housing and Economic Development Bond, as well as funding from the following TIF districts: 

105th/Vincennes, 119th/Halsted, 119th/I-57, 35th/Halsted, 47th/Ashland, 47th/Halsted, 47th/King Drive, 47th/State, 53rd Street, 71st/Stony Island, 79th Street/Southwest Highway, 79th/Vincennes, 87th/Cottage Grove, Austin Commercial, Avalon Park/South Shore, Bronzeville, Chicago/Central Park, Commercial Avenue, Division/Homan, Elston Armstrong, Englewood Neighborhood, Fullerton/Milwaukee, Greater Southwest (East), Humboldt Park Commercial, Kinzie Industrial Corridor, Lawrence/Broadway, Michigan/Cermak, Pulaski Corridor, River West, Roseland/Michigan, Stevenson/Brighton, Washington Park, West Woodlawn, Wilson Yard, Woodlawn

Businesses located within these TIF districts are encouraged to apply.

Please note: A business does not need to be located within one of the listed TIF districts to be eligible. However:

• If a business is located in a TIF district not included in the current rollout, applications will be placed on a waitlist for future consideration.
• Businesses located outside of a TIF district or in an area where a TIF has already expired will be considered for the bond-funded portion of the grant program.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Workforce Solutions grant, businesses must be located within the city of Chicago. Priority will be given to small- to mid-size businesses that meet the specified qualifications. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Department of Planning and Development based on individual circumstances.

Funding for 2025 is limited and distributed across specific geographic areas. While your business may meet the eligibility requirements for this program, not all eligible applications can be funded immediately. However, eligible applicants who are not selected for current funding will be placed on a waitlist and may be considered for future funding as additional resources become available. We encourage all qualified businesses to apply.

Eligible business types include:

• Nonprofit
• Food service, tourism and hospitality
• Healthcare and life sciences
• Manufacturing and industrial
• Information technology
• Real Estate, finance, insurance
• Retail
• Energy
• Education and training
• Transportation, distribution and logistics

Eligible training expenses include:

• Current employee upskilling (incumbent worker training)
• On-the-Job (OJT)/New Hire Training
• Leadership Development
• Instructor wages/trainer’s fee for incumbent worker training
• Training supplies and materials (items associated with direct training costs only)
• Training rental equipment
• Customized training curriculum (note: curriculum becomes City of Chicago property)

Ineligible business types include:

• Chain businesses
• Branch banks
• Employment agencies
• Religious worship institutions
• Currency exchanges
• Payday loan stores
• Pawn shops
• Astrology/palm reading stores
• Liquor Stores, bars and nightclubs
• Adult bookstores
• Firearms stores/shooting ranges
• Massage parlors
• Hotels or motels
• Track waging facilities
• Trailer storage yards/junk yards

Ineligible training expenses include:

• Consulting services not related to workforce training under this program
• Stand-alone basic or remedial skills training (e.g. without a vocational training/occupational focus)
• Training unrelated to the job
• Educational degree programs, including General Equivalency Degree (G.E.D.) programs
• Hard costs related to furnishings, fixtures and equipment (e.g. computers, tables, chairs)

If you are unsure of your eligibility based on your business type or location after reading this page, please contact E&ES at WorkforceSolutions@eesforjobs.com.