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
- Leadership development
- Technology skills
- Workplace safety
- Other job-related trainings
Program Basics
- 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 & Review
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.
Bond 2026 Funding Cycles
Quarter Opens Closes
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
Important to Know
- 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.
Webinar Requirement
Applicants must attend a webinar or watch a recorded session before submitting a full application. Registration and recordings are available on the program website.
Additional Information
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.
Questions?
Contact the Program Administrator: WorkforceSolutions@eesforjobs.com
Before You Continue
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.
The Medium Community Development Grant Application must be submitted to request funding between $300,001 and $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.
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.
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.
Delegate Agency:
Please use this platform to submit your Delegate Agency Contract Submission. Instructions for completing document submission can be found in the email that was sent to your Executive Director.
As a reminder, compliance in myCOI is necessary to process your contract.
Thank you,
Department of Housing
Department of Planning and Development