Whether or not you’ve already participated, new opportunities are available for your organization

Extended Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program

Helping Kane County Manufacturers Build Stronger Teams & Smarter Operations

IMEC is proud to announce the new Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program. Through our collaboration with the Kane County Economic Development  Corporation (KCEDC), Kane County is demonstrating a deep, ongoing commitment to supporting manufacturing. This program helps local manufacturers drive continuous improvement and strengthen long-term competitiveness through four key initiatives. 

 

By participating in one or more of these opportunities, manufacturers will access expert-led support in strategic visioning, coaching, project implementation, training, and peer learning to help their organization overcome hurdles and strengthen long-term competitiveness. 

 

*Qualified participants must have a manufacturing NAICS code (31-33) and be located in Kane County. 

New Lighthouse Projects  

  • Ten manufacturers will become Lighthouse organizations, receiving up to $30,000 in funded support from KCEDC and IMEC to address workforce and operational challenges. 
  • Operational Visioning: Participate in a visioning session to set the path forward for your operations 
  • Tailored Projects: Implement initiatives customized to your organization’s needs in operations, workforce, productivity, lean practices, safety, quality, and supply chain improvements. 
  • Eligibility: Must have 500 or fewer employees and not have previously been a Lighthouse manufacturer. 
  • Application is open November 3 – December 12, 2025 

LEARN MORE

Continued Support for Previous Lighthouse Companies

Previous Lighthouse participants can access additional IMEC support to sustain and expand progress.

 

  • Up to $5,000 in funding for projects focused on workforce, operations, and productivity.

 

  • Tailored guidance to continue improving processes and workforce capabilities.

 

  • Eligibility: Must be a previous Lighthouse manufacturer.
CONTACT US TO GET STARTED
“Every manufacturer is feeling the strain of workforce challenges, from finding skilled talent to preparing the next generation of leaders. This grant extension gives Kane County manufacturers additional resources and expert support they need to take action, strengthen their teams, and ensure long-term success.”
Dave Boulay President, IMEC

Countywide Survey

  • All Kane County manufacturers are invited to participate in a phone survey to share input on workforce and operational priorities.

 

  • The survey will help guide future programs and identify regional trends and opportunities.
GET ON THE LIST TO PARTICIPATE

Peer Roundtable Discussions

  • Manufacturers will have the opportunity to exchange lessons learned, challenges, and successes. 

 

  • Collaborate with other Kane County manufacturers in ongoing discussions. 

 

  • No application required; all manufacturers are invited.
JOIN THE LIST TO BE NOTIFIED
“This partnership with IMEC expands opportunities for manufacturers to innovate, grow, and compete in a changing economy. Every improvement made within a local manufacturer has a ripple effect, supporting families, communities, and the long-term economic vitality of Kane County”
Austin Dempsey Chairman, Kane County Economic Development Corporation

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FAQs

Being a Lighthouse manufacturer means joining an exclusive group of companies in Kane County that receive funded, customized support from IMEC to strengthen operations, workforce, and productivity. As a Lighthouse manufacturer, your company will: a) Innovate & Excel: Implement cutting-edge projects tailored to your organization. b) Grow the Bottom Line: Receive funded support to improve operations, workforce, and productivity. c) Tailored Planning: Develop a personalized roadmap to meet your specific goals. d) Achieve Excellence: Drive measurable results with customized solutions. e) Lead the Way in Kane County: Set standards for manufacturing innovation and help elevate Illinois as a hub for advanced manufacturing.

New Lighthouse manufacturers: Any Kane County manufacturer with 500 or fewer employees that has not previously participated in a Lighthouse project. 10 companies will be selected for the Lighthouse award. (Previous Lighthouse awardees are not eligible). Previous Lighthouse manufacturers: Eligible for up to $5,000 in additional IMEC support for continuous improvement projects. Any Kane County manufacturer can participate in the Peer Roundtable discussions.

New Lighthouse manufacturers: Projects tailored to your organization’s needs in areas such as operations, workforce development, productivity, lean practices, safety, quality, and supply chain improvements. Previous Lighthouse manufacturers (continuous improvement): Customized support to further strengthen operations and workforce capabilities. Any manufacturer can learn from peers and share best practices in the Roundtable sessions.

All projects, for both new and previous Lighthouse manufacturers, must be completed by August 2026.

Applicants will receive a notification within a few weeks of submitting their application to become a new Lighthouse manufacturer.

Work can begin as soon as the proposal is signed.

All Kane County manufacturers will have the opportunity to participate in a phone survey conducted through the end of 2025. The survey helps identify workforce and operational priorities across the county. Ensure your participation by joining the list.

Roundtable discussions are not yet scheduled. Once dates and locations are confirmed, this information will be shared via email to Kane County manufacturers, IMEC LinkedIn posts, and updates on the IMEC website.

No. All work is fully funded through the grant, there is no upfront cost.

Download the Flyer

High-level program information is available via PDF for sharing or printing.

Apply Now

Online applications will be accepted November 3 - December 12, 2025.

Still Have Questions?

Learn more about this opportunity, ask questions, and see if it's a fit for your company. Please indicate "Kane Lighthouse" in the form submission along with your inquiry.