Business Attraction Prime Sites

The Business Attraction Prime Sites program is a state grant initiative administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program is designed to support large-scale capital investment projects that create significant job opportunities for Illinois residents, particularly by attracting businesses to relocate or expand within the state. The initiative aligns with Illinois' 2024 Economic Growth Plan, emphasizing industries such as life sciences, quantum computing, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, next-generation agriculture, transportation, distribution, and logistics. The program offers financial assistance to businesses committed to substantial job creation and investment in Illinois. Eligible projects may involve new construction, renovation of industrial and commercial facilities, infrastructure improvements, and durable equipment purchases. However, projects involving warehouse construction or operational expenses are ineligible. The funding is derived from Rebuild Illinois capital funds, with specific eligible and ineligible expenses outlined in the program guidelines. Eligible applicants include businesses relocating to or expanding operations in Illinois that have received or are applying for EDGE, HIB, REV, or MICRO tax credits. Applicants must commit to specific job creation and investment thresholds and operate within targeted industries. Additional eligibility requirements include registration in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal and compliance with various state and federal standards. To apply, businesses must submit a comprehensive application package including a Uniform Grant Application, Capital Budget, Conflict of Interest Disclosure, Mandatory Disclosures, Project Narrative, and optionally an Authorized Designee Form. Applications are accepted through a designated online form and are reviewed on a rolling basis. The evaluation criteria include need, capacity, project quality, and potential economic impact, scored on a 100-point scale. Applications scoring above 80 are recommended for funding, with quarterly reviews allowing additional awards based on merit and strategic considerations. The program offers grants ranging from $250,000 to $25,000,000, with a 1:1 matching requirement. Funds are disbursed in stages, with an initial reimbursement of up to 50% upon documented capital expenditures and the remainder upon completion of all expenditures. Grantees must comply with reporting requirements, including performance and financial reports, and are subject to audits and monitoring. Key contacts for the program include the Grant Help Desk at CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov and Program Manager Sabrina Canela at Sabrina.Canela@illinois.gov. The application period is open through June 30, 2026.