Illinois is investing in manufacturers like you. The question is, are you taking full advantage of the resources available to support your growth?
Programs like Illinois Invent, the Innovation Voucher, and Made in Illinois are designed to help manufacturers innovate faster, adopt new technologies, and stay competitive. Yet many companies are unsure if they qualify, how to apply, or where to start.
Join us for this webinar featuring Director Kristin Richards of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), who will share insight into the state’s strategy and commitment to supporting manufacturers through these initiatives.
You will get a clear, practical overview of these state-supported programs and how they work together to support your business from idea to implementation. We will break down what each program offers, who is eligible, and how to access funding, technical expertise, and applied research support.
You will also gain insight into how other manufacturers are beginning to use these programs to reduce barriers, accelerate innovation, and drive measurable business results.
In this session, participants will learn how to:
- Determine if their company is eligible for Illinois Invent, Innovation Voucher, and Made in Illinois
- Understand how to apply and what to expect from the process
- Identify which programs align with their business goals and growth stage
- Access funding, expertise, and resources to support innovation and technology adoption
- Move ideas from concept to implementation more efficiently
- Take the next steps to engage with available state support
Who Should Attend
- Manufacturing leaders and business owners looking to grow and stay competitive
- Operations, engineering, and innovation leaders focused on process improvement or technology adoption
- Companies exploring funding, partnerships, or support for R&D and product development
- Small and mid-sized manufacturers seeking practical, accessible resources to support growth
- Organizations unsure if they qualify for state programs and looking for guidance on where to start
Whether you are exploring new opportunities or looking to accelerate existing initiatives, this session will help you confidently navigate available programs and turn state support into real business impact.
To ensure a secure experience for all participants, please log in using your own Zoom account with a username and password. Any Zoom account type is acceptable. When joining, make sure to use your registered first and last name so we can verify your attendance. Please note: Call-in access is not allowed for this session.
*Event details are subject to change.
*Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it, please check your spam or junk folder*

