Workforce Solutions Program

Workforce Solutions Program is sponsored by City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. The Workforce Solutions program provides reimbursement grants to qualified Chicago businesses for job training for incumbent workers and new hires.

City of Chicago - Dept. of Planning and Development Submission Manager 2026 Delegate Agency Contract Amendment Guidelines for 2026 Delegate Agency Contract Amendment to 2026 Delegate Agency Contract Amendment Please use this platform to submit your Amended Contract Submission.

CCSA Corridor Lead Portal to CCSA Corridor Lead Portal 2026 Workforce Solutions Program Grant Application Guidelines for 2026 Workforce Solutions Program Grant Application to 2026 Workforce Solutions Program Grant Application Workforce Solutions Program Grant Application The Workforce Solutions Program helps eligible Chicago businesses train and upskill their workforce.

Eligible training may include: Incumbent worker training On-the-job training (OJT) for new hires Other job-related trainings Reimbursement grant covering up to 100% of eligible training costs Up to $250,000 per business Businesses pay costs upfront and are reimbursed after project completion Administered by Employment & Employer Services (E&ES) on behalf of the City of Chicago Funding comes from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Housing & Economic Development (HED) Bond proceeds: TIF projects : reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis Bond projects : reviewed competitively, with application and review cycles You do not need to determine your funding source.

Program staff will route you to the appropriate application after submission of the Pre-Application Intake form.

Q1 Feb 1, 2026 Mar 2, 2026 Q2 Apr 1, 2026 Apr 30, 2026 Q3 Jul 1, 2026 Jul 30, 2026 Q4 Oct 1, 2026 Oct 30, 2026 Funding is limited and varies by location Applying early improves your chances Eligible applicants not funded in a given cycle will be invited to apply in a future round How the Application Process Works This is a two-step application process.

Step 1: Pre-Application Intake Form - You will submit basic information about your business and training needs. Step 2: Full Application - After you submit the Pre-Application Intake form, program staff will review your business address to determine the appropriate funding source. If eligible, you will receive a follow-up email with a link to the full application.

If it is determined that your project is ineligible, you will be notified via email, with the option for a deficiency letter upon request. Submitting this form does not mean you have completed the full application or that funding has been approved. Applicants must attend a webinar or watch a recorded session before submitting a full application.

Registration and recordings are available on the program website . A full list of required application documents and program details is available on the Workforce Solutions Program website: www. Chicago.

gov/WorkforceSolutions (Apply tab) Applicants are encouraged to review this information before continuing. By proceeding with this application, you acknowledge and agree to the following: Accuracy of Information You certify that all information submitted is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Eligibility & Review Applications must meet program eligibility requirements and are subject to review based on funding source, availability, and program criteria. Supporting Documentation Additional documentation will be required to complete your application. Applications that do not provide requested documentation within the required timeframe may not move forward in the review process.

No Guarantee of Funding Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Reimbursement-Based Grant Approved applicants are responsible for paying or financing eligible project costs upfront. Reimbursement is provided after eligible training activities or milestones are completed and approved and required proof is submitted.

Compliance & Deadlines You agree to comply with all program requirements, timelines, and applicable laws. Failure to meet deadlines or requirements may result in denial, delay, or loss of funding. Program Administration Program staff may request additional information, and program requirements, timelines, or funding availability may change.

Records & Public Disclosure Funded applicants may be required to maintain records for monitoring or audit purposes. Information submitted may be subject to public disclosure under applicable law. By clicking "Submit", you are confirming that you have read and understand the Workforce Solutions Program requirements and acknowledge that this is a reimbursement-based grant with no guarantee of funding.

Large Community Development Grant Application Guidelines for Large Community Development Grant Application to Large Community Development Grant Application The City of Chicago Large Grant Application must be submitted to request funding in excess of $5,000,000 , from the Department of Planning & Development, for real estate development and construction (capital) projects.

Those seeking a Cook County Property Tax Incentive must complete and submit a separate application .

Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Grant to Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Grant Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Grant Application to Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Grant Application Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Grant Application (Spanish) to Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) Grant Application (Spanish) City of Chicago (Cook County) Property Tax Incentive Application Guidelines for City of Chicago (Cook County) Property Tax Incentive Application to City of Chicago (Cook County) Property Tax Incentive Application Those seeking a Cook County Property Tax Incentive (Classes: 6b, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and C) must complete and submit this application to receive an ordinance of support from the Chicago City Council.

Applicants must also submit a completed Cook County Property Tax Application , along with the City's ordinance of support, to the Cook County Assessor, for final incentive approval and authorization. City of Chicago - Dept. of Planning and Development