To maximize the chances of receiving funding through Workforce Solutions, businesses should ensure their application is complete and well-prepared. Applications should clearly identify the training being sought, provide cost details and confirm the use of a qualified, independent third-party training provider. Early submission is strongly encouraged due to limited funding availability.

Although the program is open to businesses citywide beginning June 16, funding is limited. Businesses are strongly encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving support. Applicants should also maintain flexibility in their training plans, as eligible businesses not selected in the initial round may be placed on a waitlist for future funding opportunities.

TIF District Applications

Workforce Solutions applications opened for businesses the following TIF districts on May 15, 2025:

• 105th/Vincennes
• 53rd Street
• 79th Street/Southwest Highway
• Humboldt Park Commercial
• Michigan/Cermak
• River West (in your community)
• Wilson Yard

The application is available online via the Submittable platform.

Only businesses located within these eligible TIF districts may apply starting May 15.  Any applications for businesses outside of these areas submitted prior to June 16 will not be considered. More information on the citywide rollout of Workforce Solutions is available below.

The seven TIF districts listed above are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. To ensure adequate time for reimbursement processing and project closeout, all training funded through this grant must be completed by late September 2025.

Businesses located in the listed TIF districts should plan accordingly to ensure the proposed training can be completed within this timeframe.

Citywide Applications

The program opens for applications citywide on June 16, 2025. The application is available online via the Submittable platform.

Application Process & Timeline

A program manual is available to assist with the application process.

Once an application is submitted, the following steps will take place:

Step 1: Eligibility Notification

Applicant is notified by E&ES of their eligibility via Submittable and asked to complete a Training Needs Assessment (also via Submittable).

Step 2: Supporting Documentation

Applicant proceeds with submitting the required documentation, including:

• Training Needs Assessment
  
  • Identifies skill gaps and growth opportunities to align employee development with organizational goals and improve performance.
• Proof of Revenue
  • Financial statements or documents showing current and past two years of sales to determine if a match is required.
• Employer Match Breakdown (if required)
  • Certain applicants are required to submit a detailed breakdown of their in-kind contribution or employer match as part of the application. This document should clearly outline the total value of the contribution and specify the types of support being provided. Examples of acceptable contributions include, but are not limited to:
    • Staff time dedicated to training or project coordination
    • Use of facilities, equipment, or materials
    • Payment of wages for employees during training
    • Direct financial contributions toward training costs not already covered by grant
  • The breakdown must include:
    • A description of each item or service provided
    • Estimated monetary value
    • Method of valuation
  • This information is necessary to verify the employer’s commitment and to ensure compliance with matching requirements.
• Certificate of Insurance
  
  • Verifies the existence of an insurance policy meeting the City’s minimum requirements. Includes policyholder, coverage type, dates, and limits.
• Program Policies and Procedures — Executed
  
  • Signed form acknowledging understanding and agreement to follow all program rules and guidelines.
• Economic Disclosure Statement & Affidavit Certificate of Completion (Time Sensitive):
  • Required by the City of Chicago. Must be completed electronically by all parties with 7.5%+ ownership. Certificate of Completion is required.
• Principal Profile (Time Sensitive)
  • Required for all individuals with 7.5%+ ownership to check for outstanding City obligations (e.g., bills, tickets, support payments).
• Child Support Affidavit (Time Sensitive)
• Monitoring Protocol Requirement Form
• Copy of Business License
  
  • Issued by BACP. If exempt, submit a letter on business letterhead explaining the exemption category.
• ACH/Banking Information
  
  • Required for ACH transfers. All reimbursements will be processed via direct deposit.
• Training Curriculum/Schedule
  • Include synopsis of training, schedule and vendor details.
• Trainer Resumes/References
  • Required unless the trainer has already been vetted.
• Training Cost Quote/Estimate from Vendor
• Job Description for New Hires
  • Required if hiring new employees. Include job descriptions and hourly wages for each position.

Step 3 – Review/Recipient Agreement

Once the documents are reviewed and approved, E&ES sends applicant a Recipient Agreement to review and sign.

Step 4

Applicant submits executed Recipient Agreement to E&ES.

Step 5

Applicant is sent a Conditional Award Letter once contract has been executed and processed. Applicant may begin trainings (trainings need to occur within contract term).

Post-Application

Workforce Solutions grants are issued as reimbursement for eligible project expenditures. The funds may be disbursed incrementally, as trainings are completed, with the submission of up to three reimbursement requests/voucher packets. For projects that include On-the-Job Training (OJT), reimbursements may be requested monthly for the duration of the OJT and with the opportunity to submit additional vouchers if needed for further approved training expenses.

To request reimbursements, the applicant must submit the following documentation to the Program Administrator for review:

• Invoice from training provider or any eligible training expense
  • This document outlines an itemized breakdown of associated costs and must include an invoice date along with date of service if it is a training voucher
• Proof of payment to training provider
  • This is a receipt of payment by the business to the training provider confirming that services have been paid by the applicant.
• Receipts
  • If any materials/supplies were purchased for training and were not reflected on an invoice.
• Sign-In Sheets and Participant Status Reports
  • Sign-in sheets for each training session must include Training Name, Trainer Name and Date, and each employee in attendance must sign. Additionally, the Participant Status Report must be completed and list all employees who have participated in trainings to date, along with some additional demographic information. Sample Participant Status Report templates can be found online.
  • Please note: A minimum trainee attendance rate of 75% is required to be able to pay for the full training. Any attendance less than 75% will be reimbursed by percentage in attendance.
• For new hires only:
  • Proof of wage payment in the form of pay stubs
  • Pay stubs have to reflect those who were listed as new hires from the beginning, and they have to be paid at minimum the City of Chicago’s prevailing wage.

Once the Program Administrator receives a reimbursement request along with all required supporting documentation, the materials will be reviewed and a completed voucher packet will be submitted to DPD for review, approval and processing.

Reimbursement payments will be issued to the Program Administrator, who will then disburse the funds accordingly.

From the time the Program Administrator receives a complete and accurate reimbursement submission to disbursment to the applicant, the entire process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks.

If you have any questions not addressed on this website, please contact E&ES at WorkforceSolutions@eesforjobs.com.