April 2025

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Apply Now! Made in Illinois Grant Program

The Made in Illinois grant program is an opportunity for small and mid-sized manufacturers to access up to $50,000 in matching funds to support innovation and strategic technological advancements. The initiative is brought through a collaboration between Illinois DCEO and IMEC.

Who’s eligible?

• Illinois-based manufacturers with NAICS codes 31–33
• Employ between 5 and 250 employees
• Operated in Illinois for at least 3 years
• Recorded sales revenue in the last 12 months

Navigating Tariffs & Supply Chain Stability

Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle recognizes the challenges that are posed due to federal tariffs. In a recent statement, President Preckwinkle shared: "The recent federal tariff policy changes have introduced significant volatility into our economy, creating real challenges for working families, small businesses and local governments." 

Source: World Business Chicago

As tariff policies send ripples throughout the manufacturing sector, Cook County’s longstanding strength lies in its resilient and locally rooted supply chain. According to Chicagoland’s Economic Landscape, a report conducted by World Business Chicago on behalf the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, 52.5% of all supply inputs used by Chicagoland manufacturers are sourced from within the Chicagoland region. The region also boasts an "unrivaled" transportation, distribution and logistics (TD&L) ecosystem.

Thanks to this robust local network, local manufacturers are better positioned to navigate the challenges posed by shifting trade policies.

Seeking support for supply chain challenges? Visit IMEC's Supply Chain Center or view a recent webinar IMEC hosted titled "Navigating Tariff Changes: Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience." You may also want to read "Enhancing supply chain resilience in a new era of policy," published by Deloitte.

Empowering the Next Generation of Manufacturers

Engaging future talent is essential to the long-term success of the manufacturing sector. Southworks Robotics helps bridge that gap by connecting Cook County Southland manufacturers with local schools for a year of hands-on STEM experiences.

This year’s activities engaged 20 manufacturers and 20 schools, culminating with the seventh annual Southworks Robotics and Engineering Olympics on April 12 at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL.

“By engaging with students early, we can assist in bridging the gap between high school education and work– to show young people the exciting career opportunities that are available to them in the trades and specifically at our company in technical manufacturing,” said Accord Carton human resources manager Liza Farrell, who served as a volunteer judge.

The program is led by OAI, Inc.— a partner on several M3 Chicago programs— as well as South Suburban College, Governors State University, the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation (CSEDC) and 3 Seeds Mentoring Group. 

M3 Chicago offers many opportunities for manufacturers to build their talent pipeline. Interested in getting involved? Email M3@cookcountyil.gov to learn more.

Forging the Future: Metals Hub Event Sparks Dialogue

On April 17, the Southland Development Authority (SDA) convened Metals Hub members, industry partners, resource organizations and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for an evening of meaningful conversation, industry insights and strategic networking in Tinley Park.

Randy Prince, senior business development manager at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), shared insights into the latest developments from the Illinois legislative session and the potential impact on manufacturers across the state. The event included lively networking over drinks and small bites, allowing attendees to build relationships, exchange ideas and explore future collaboration opportunities.

For more information on the Metals Hub, visit southlanddevelopment.org/metals-hub.

Delve into the latest advancements and incentives in battery storage within Illinois. Discover how new policies and incentives are making battery storage more accessible and cost-effective for businesses, and explore the benefits of behind-the-meter solar incentives and the exciting new battery incentives that can help you optimize energy usage and reduce costs.

Short- and long-term internships are excellent ways to identify ideal apprenticeship candidates and help them get a foot in the door with your company. Join GACC on National Apprenticeship Day to discover practical strategies for designing internship programs for your company that seamlessly transition into successful apprenticeship!

Hosted by Choose DuPage, the MFG Pro Series offers free webinars where Chicagoland manufacturers can hear from experts, ask questions, and hone their understanding of key issues. Join on May 15th to learn how to stay competitive in the face of new technologies, globalization, and shifts in consumer demand.

Tariffs may provoke retaliatory measures, disrupt supply chains, and increase costs for businesses reliant on imports. This webinar will not only outline the goals of the new tariffs and their potential impacts, but also will help manufacturers proactively plan and adapt to the rapidly changing tariff landscape to minimize costs and prevent value loss.

Advance your labor force, elevate your business.

Apprenticeships power the manufacturing industry, supporting job growth, retention and productivity. The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, which supports all earn-and-learn training models in partnership with Skills for Chicagoland's Future, can help your business develop a skilled talent pipeline by connecting your business with new hires while also providing opportunities for career advancement in manufacturing.

April 30 is National Apprenticeship Day. There’s no better time to discover how the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator can support your workforce goals. Ready to build a stronger workforce? Learn more here.