Programs to Help Your Business Flourish
Food & Beverage Apprenticeship Grant
Build a stronger workforce with a registered apprenticeship program designed for Illinois food and beverage manufacturers. Through DCEO funding, eligible companies can offset training costs while developing skilled employees for critical production, maintenance, and quality roles.
IMEC manages program design, registration, compliance, and reporting—making it easy to implement a customized apprenticeship program with less administrative burden. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Forging Growth Applications Now Open
The Cook County Forging Growth program is now accepting applications through July 17, 2026. This specialized six-month cohort supports eligible foundries and forging and stamping manufacturers with peer learning, expert-led workshops, customized business roadmaps, and reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible roadmap and project costs.
Manufacturers with facilities located in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, or Will County may be eligible.
Made in Illinois Grant Program
*2025 Application Window Has Closed*
Providing matching funds to help small and mid-sized manufacturers invest in innovation and technological advancements, Made in Illinois is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and IMEC, combining state support with industry expertise. This partnership is dedicated to empowering Illinois manufacturers with the resources and guidance needed to drive growth, innovation, and long-term success—one business at a time.
Extended Kane County Manufacturing Grant Program
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.
Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented
*Application Window Has Closed*
After listening to over 1000 Cook County Manufacturers, we have identified their top priorities and developed a grant program tailored for your needs.
Manufacturing Reinvented reimburses manufacturers for the implementation of projects designed to improve productivity, develop future leaders, train your workforce, and grow your business.
Advance McHenry County Manufacturing Grants
*Application Window Has Closed*
In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, IMEC offers fully funded projects to small and mid-sized McHenry County manufacturers. These grants aim to:
-
- Rebound and Reinvent: Assist businesses in recovering from the pandemic and adapting to new market conditions.
- Enhance Global Competitiveness: Implement strategies to improve efficiency and product quality.
- Build Resilience: Prepare companies to withstand future economic and societal challenges.
The program offers support in areas such as operations improvement, leadership development, business growth, and workforce enhancement.
Plan
Discover Opportunities and Chart Your Path
Every engagement begins with a partnership. IMEC takes the time to understand your business inside and out, working as an extension of your team to uncover challenges, identify opportunities, and prioritize goals. Together, we craft a roadmap that reflects your unique vision and sets a solid foundation for success
Our Approach
“Planning with IMEC means gaining not just a consultant, but a dedicated strategic partner to help you navigate the path to progress.”
Implement
Transform Strategies into Action
With a clear roadmap in place, IMEC collaborates closely with your team to execute the tailored strategies. Leveraging industry best practices and innovative solutions, we ensure that each initiative is effectively integrated into your operations, driving tangible improvements and fostering a culture of continuous enhancement.
Our Approach
“Implementing with IMEC means transforming strategy into action with a hands-on partner dedicated to driving measurable results and sustainable change.”
Excel
Achieve Sustained Excellence and Growth
The journey doesn’t end with implementation. IMEC remains a committed partner, helping you to refine processes, adapt to changing market dynamics, and pursue ongoing improvements. Our focus is on empowering your organization to not only meet but exceed its goals, ensuring long-term success and competitiveness.
Our Approach
“Excelling with IMEC means achieving lasting growth through continuous improvement, adaptability, and a commitment to operational excellence.”
SUCCESS STORIES
See How We’ve Helped Other Manufacturers Succeed
