Business Attraction Prime Sites Grant

Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

The Business Attraction Prime Sites program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to foster economic growth by supporting large-scale capital investments. This initiative targets companies relocating or expanding in Illinois, promoting job creation through diverse projects, including infrastructure development. Eligible applicants must commit to significant investments and job creation, contributing to a robust economic landscape in the state. The program aligns with strategic industry focuses outlined in the Illinois Economic Plan.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sets forth the requirements of the Business Attraction Prime Sites program. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers grant programs designed to promote and enhance economic development.
The intent of this program is to assist companies with large-scale capital investment projects that commit to significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois. Business Attraction Prime Sites grants can encompass a wide range of economic development projects and may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases that will result in job creation in the state of Illinois.

Eligibility

Eligible expenses for these funds include:architectural planning and engineering design;
land and building acquisition;
costs related to site selection, preparation, and improvement;
new construction of buildings and structures;
reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structures; and
original furnishings and durable equipment, including scientific instruments and apparatuses with a long useful life.Eligible Applicants include:

• Eligible applicants include businesses that:

are relocating to or expanding operations in Illinois, received confirmation of eligibility for an EDGE, HIB, REV, or MICRO credit or has a pending application for the EDGE, HIB, REV, or MICRO programs that are ultimately approved,for businesses applying for and/or are eligible for EDGE or HIB, are committed to:
hiring at least 40 new employees that are Illinois residents to work on-site where project is located, AND making a $40 million investment, ORhiring at least 100 new employees that are Illinois residents to work on-site where project is located, AND making a $20 million investment1are operating in one of the following industries of focus from the 2019Illinois Economic Plan (https://dceo.illinois.gov/econplan2019.html):Agribusiness and Ag Tech

Ineligibility

Ineligible expenses include:

• Operational expenses;
• Lease payments for rental of equipment or facilities;
• Costs of staff or resident labor and material outside of project construction;
• Expenditures to acquire or construct temporary facilities;
• Purchase of automobiles, trucks, farm equipment, boats or rolling stock; and
• Livestock or laboratory animals.