Small & Emerging Business Hub

Connect with Workforce and Training Programs

Please note that the resources below are not administered by the IPA. For questions on these resources please contact appropriate entities responsible for these resources.

Have Workforce and Training Needs?

A highly skilled workforce gives small and emerging businesses a competitive edge in the marketplace. By connecting to workforce resources, small businesses can attract talented candidates and train existing employees to stay competitive in the marketplace.

Illinois workNet Workforce Portal

The Illinois workNet Center Workforce Portal, administered by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provides resources to help connect employers and job seekers. The portal can direct you to workforce and training programs where you can recruit job seekers and take advantage of other support services to meet your hiring needs. To learn more, visit the Illinois workNet Center Workforce Portal.

CEJA Workforce Programs

Is your business hiring? The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA Workforce Programs are here to help. DCEO is charged with administering the workforce and economic development programs outlined in the CEJA. These programs will train Illinoisans for jobs in the clean energy industry and help clean energy businesses grow. CEJA programs prioritize Illinoisans who live in communities that have historically faced economic barriers and environmental damage

Connect with a CEJA Workforce Program to recruit qualified job seekers for your business. For additional information and a list of awarded workforce training program providers, visit the CEJA Workforce Programs Webpage.

Energy Workforce Equity Portal

If you are a clean energy employer and ready to hire, you are at the right place. The Energy Workforce Equity Portal, launched in January 2023 by the Illinois Power Agency, is an online tool designed to help connect clean energy companies with Equity Eligible Persons looking to work in the clean energy sector in Illinois. Making these connections is a key aspect of ensuring that the clean energy industry in Illinois grows equitably.

Take a tour of the portal to learn how small and emerging businesses can take advantage of the clean energy economy. Visit the Employers page on the portal to register as a clean energy company, post jobs, connect with job seekers, and access additional resources. To learn more, visit the Energy Workforce Equity Portal website.

Job Trainees

The Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program helps create jobs for members of historically marginalized communities. The program requires its Approved Vendors to hire job trainees from qualified job training programs. Foster care alumni, people with records, and those who reside in environmental justice and income-eligible communities are especially encouraged to participate in job training programs. To learn more, visit the ILSFA website or contact Joanna Racho at joanna.racho@Elevatenp.org

Human Capital Resources

(for staffing needs, including finding a co-founder and posting opportunities for job openings)

Illinois Biz Hub (statewide)	Founder Institute Chicago	NextGroup
The Illinois Biz Hub is powered by DCEO, which includes hiring, recruiting, and training resources. To learn more, visit the Illinois Biz Hub website .	This resource helps find answers to your questions about finding a co-founder and maintaining co-founder relationships. To learn more, visit the Founder Institute Chicago website	The NextGroup empowers Evanston area women shifting careers or re-entering the workplace to reimagine their professional lives while they provide employers with access to hard-to-reach and valuable talent for their business needs. NextGroup was co-founded by four Illinois women entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit the NextGroup website