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CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator, serving the Southside of Chicago

Elevate is a Partner of the CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator program. This program is designed for clean energy contractors ready to expand into energy-efficiency, renewable energy, HVAC upgrades, or other clean energy services. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, we are here to help you compete and thrive in the clean energy economy.

Elevate is now accepting applications for 2025-2026 business participants.

The CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). 

Benefits 

  • Business assessment to chart your path to business growth through achieving goals supported by program resources and services 
  • No cost access to business coaching, direct services, networking opportunities, and training opportunities 
  • Referrals and connections to resources outside of the Contractor Incubator Hub program

Goals

  • Overall: Equitably grow the clean energy workforce to meet the demand for clean energy technologies and services. 
  • Increase business opportunities for clean energy contractors and nonprofits located in areas impacted by economic, social, and environmental challenges. 
  • Help clean energy contractors grow their businesses and participate in business opportunities in the clean energy sector. 

Eligibility 

Business owners from priority communities are encouraged to apply to this program. Priority communities include owners of clean energy contractor businesses and nonprofits who: 

  • Reside in the following defined geographic areas. To check whether you reside in these areas, input your address in the map at this link CEJA Illinois Map.
    • A Restore, Reinvest, Renew (“R3”) Area, as defined in Section 10-40 of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
    • An Environmental Justice Community, as defined by the Illinois Power Agency  
  • Who face barriers to employment including, but not limited to,  
    • Low educational attainment 
    • Prior involvement with the criminal legal system 
    • Language barriers 
  • Are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system 
  • Are displaced energy workers, as defined in the Energy Community Reinvestment Act. An energy worker who has lost employment, or is anticipated by the Department to lose employment within the next 5 years, due to the reduced operation or closure of a fossil fuel power plant, nuclear power plant, or coal mine. 

Get Started Today 

Join a community of contractors building a cleaner, more efficient Illinois. Apply now by completing the Intake Form here.

If you need assistance completing the Intake Form, please contact the program team below.

Work With Us

Contact Information 

For questions or Intake Form support, call or email Elevate’s Contractor Incubator team. 

Email: ceja@elevatenp.org

Phone Number: 312-283-5935

Contact Form