Innovative Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program Engages South Side Businesses, Nonprofits With No-Cost Training, Financial Resources, Professional Development, And More

CHICAGO – Today, Elevate, a nonprofit organization, is launching an innovative Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, which aims to grow the clean energy workforce on the South Side of Chicago. This no-cost program is designed for clean energy contractors ready to expand into energy-efficiency upgrades, renewable energy, and other related services. 

The Incubator is one of 14 hubs funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Passed in fall 2021, CEJA provides a plan to move Illinois to carbon-free power, expand energy efficiency and other cost-saving opportunities, while bringing the benefits of the clean energy economy to all communities.  

Elevate is now accepting applications for 2025-2026 business participants, and people can apply by submitting an intake form. More information can be found on Elevate’s website. 

As part of CEJA’s workforce training and contractor support ecosystem, the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program will help contractors and nonprofits grow their businesses to meet the demand for clean energy technologies and services.  

“The Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program is a powerful initiative led by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to expand access to good-paying jobs to build a cleaner and stronger future,” said Elevate’s CEO Dr. Anne Evens. “We are not only helping businesses thrive, but we are investing in the people that keep Illinois moving forward. Together, we are creating pathways to a cleaner tomorrow and empowering people with the tools to build safer, healthier places to live.”  

Participants will receive access to a variety of resources to improve their businesses’ capacity and take on clean energy projects, including financial resources, business operations support and coaching, clean energy training, and networking opportunities.  

Applicants must live in geographic areas defined by CEJA and can check their eligibility by inputting their addresses into a DCEO interactive map – or by visiting the website dceo.illinois.gov/ceja/map. Those outside of these areas who are interested may be eligible for the program if they face barriers to employment, graduated from or are currently enrolled in the foster care system, or were displaced from other energy-related jobs due to closures of power plants or coal mines.  

###