CHICAGO, Illinois — Funding to help Illinois small businesses win government contracts has been awarded to 11 recipients by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The $1.2 million in grants were awarded to economic development centers, academic institutions and private nonprofit organizations through the Illinois APEX Accelerator.
“Illinois is providing much-needed resources to small businesses across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our federal, state and local partners, the APEX Accelerator program helps diversify and strengthen the supply chain by training and connecting small businesses to government contracts.”
The Illinois APEX Accelerator helps small, underserved and minority-owned businesses provide products and services to federal, state and local agencies while diversifying the supply chain, accelerating innovation and fostering ingenuity to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), a global network that supports the U.S. military's needs for defense-related products and services, including military weapons systems and components.
The funding will provide companies with tailored advice, education, training, guidance on socio-economic certification, market research, and bid matching preparation and proposals through the APEX Accelerator.
“The Illinois APEX Accelerator plays a critical role in our efforts to support Illinois businesses in the most effective way,” said DCEO Director Christine Richards. “This funding will not only have a tangible impact on the Illinois economy, but it will also help expand opportunity for small businesses across Illinois.”
The program has supported Illinois businesses for nearly 40 years, helping them win about 420 government contracts worth more than $526 million last year.
“For years, the Illinois Apex Accelerator has helped Illinois businesses access new opportunities,” said Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “This grant will support the program's continued growth and success while also strengthening our state's economy.”
The list of recipients and grant amounts is as follows:
|
Bradley University |
Peoria |
$95,000 |
|
Champaign County EDC |
Champaign |
$90,000 |
|
China Mutual Aid Association |
Chicago |
$90,000 |
|
College of DuPage |
Glen Ellyn |
$125,000 |
|
Greater Southwest Development Center |
Chicago |
$117,000 |
|
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce |
Chicago |
$122,000 |
|
Joseph Business School |
Forest Park |
$135,000 |
|
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale |
Carbondale |
$110,000 |
|
Southland Development Authority |
Tinley Park |
$90,000 |
|
Western Illinois University |
Columbia |
$103,000 |
|
Women's Business Development Center |
Chicago |
$130,000 |
For breaking news and severe weather updates, click here to download the 13 WREX News App and the 13 WREX Weather Agency App.
