DPD has partnered with Local Industrial Retention Initiatives (LIRI) in each of the designated TIF districts for the Manufacturing Program. Applications for this program will be accepted until August 2025 on a rolling basis until reserved funds in each TIF district are exhausted. Applications must be submitted directly to the respective LIRI partner in order to be considered for this grant. Training must be completed by late September 2025.

Parties located within one of the authorized TIF districts can contact the LIRI associated with that district for more information on this grant.

Manufacturing Program authorized TIF districts:

• Galewood/Armitage TIF  
• Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF
• Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF  
• Pulaski Industrial Corridor TIF

Use the Workforce Solutions Address Locator Tool to identify your designated LIRI.

How do I apply? 

1. Confirm that you are in an eligible TIF district and identify your designated LIRI partner by using the Workforce Solutions Address Locator Tool.  
2. Contact your designated LIRI to discuss your training needs and for assistance in completing the application.
3. Fill out the application completely and submit the requested training documentation to your designated LIRI contact.
4. Once you have received approval on your application, you may proceed with training. 
5. After your training is completed, provide requested documentation to the LIRI for reimbursement.

Application Checklist

Please note that you will be required to submit the following documentation along with your completed application:

• Detailed training curriculum/training description for each training (from trainer)
• Training estimate (from trainer)
• Participant list for each training 
• Copy of business license
• Economic disclosure statement (EDS)
• Child support affidavit
• Principal profile
• Job description for each new hire position (new hires only)
• Proof of Chicago residency (State ID/driver’s license) (new hires only)

Download the application

The Manufacturing Program application is available for download here. 

An informational template on how to complete the application is also available for download. 

DPD recommends contacting your LIRI partner prior to completing the application to ensure that you are an eligible candidate.  

LIRI Contacts

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corp.
Claudia Perez / cperez@gncdc.org 

• Galewood/Armitage TIF  
• Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF  

Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago 
Dalton Kay / dalton@industrialcouncil.com 

• Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF

North Branch Works
Steve Simmons / steve@northbranchworks.org

• Pulaski Industrial Corridor TIF

Reimbursement

1. After the application is approved and the training is completed, the business provides the required training and payment documentation to the LIRI. Required items include:
1. Sign-in sheet for each training/proof of attendance
2. Proof of payment by company
3. Official payroll records for training participants (new hires only)
2. The LIRI submits a voucher to the City for reimbursement.  
3. In 3-5 weeks after submitting a complete voucher to the City, the LIRI should receive an electronic payment from the City. The LIRI then reimburses the business directly.