Join an exclusive group of 10 manufacturers receiving up to $30,000 in customized support from the Kane County Economic Development Corporation and IMEC to drive growth and improvement.
Applications open November 3 – December 12, 2025
Become a Lighthouse Manufacturer in Kane County
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Becoming a Lighthouse manufacturer gives your company access to funded, expert-led support designed to help you overcome workforce and operational challenges, improve efficiency, and drive long-term competitiveness. This program is an opportunity to:
- Access Operational Expertise: Receive up to $30,000 in IMEC services tailored to your organization’s specific needs.
- Drive Measurable Improvement: Implement strategic projects in operations, workforce, productivity, lean practices, safety, quality, and supply chain.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: Strengthen your workforce, enhance operational excellence, and position your company for sustainable growth.
- Join a Community of Leaders: Connect with other forward-thinking manufacturers and share insights, successes, and best practices.
Funding Available
Receive up to $30,000 in IMEC solutions to implement projects tailored to your organizations needs.
Projects can address areas such as operations, workforce development, productivity, lean practices, safety, quality, and supply chain improvements.
Only 10 manufacturers will be selected for the Lighthouse support.
Who Can Apply
Kane County manufacturers with 500 or fewer employees.
Must not have previously been a Lighthouse manufacturer.
Must have a manufacturing NAICS code (31-33) and be located in Kane County.
Previous applicants who were not selected may apply again.
What to Expect
- Apply starting November 3, 2025
- Receive notification of acceptance
- Collaborate with IMEC to scope and schedule your project
- Implement new strategies and apply insights across your organization
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).
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.
No. All work is fully funded through the grant, there is no upfront cost.