Chicago Powered Workforce Solutions
CHICAGO (Aug. 11, 2025) — The City of Chicago has expanded its Workforce Solutions program—formerly known as TIFWorks—into a citywide initiative offering reimbursable grants to help businesses train current staff and hire and upskill new hires.
Managed by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in partnership with Employment & Employer Services (E&ES), the program offers grants covering up to 100 percent of eligible training costs, with standard caps of $250,000and potential exceptions up to $500,000 for projects demonstrating exceptional community impactInstagram+12Chicago.gov+12Chicago.gov+12.
New Funding, Broader Access
In March 2025, Chicago City Council approved $12.2 million in new funding to support the expansion: $11.2 million from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for employers in 35 designated TIF districts, and $1 million through the Housing and Economic Development (HED) Bond to support businesses citywide Chicago.gov+6Chicago.gov+6Chicago.gov+6.
Eligibility and Support
Small to mid-size businesses, not-for-profit entities, and employers in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, technology, retail, and logistics qualify—while chain franchises, bars, gas stations, schools, and other excluded industries do notChicago.gov. Businesses outside TIF districts can still apply and may be funded via bond proceeds Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce+5Chicago.gov+5Chicago.gov+5.
The expanded program offers an easier application through Submittable, online application tools, and support through E&ES—enhancing accessibility and responsiveness Chicago.gov+1.
Training and Reimbursement Details
Approved businesses can receive reimbursement for incumbent staff training, job-specific instruction, certifications, curriculum development, and on-the-job training (OJT) for new hires—limited to $20 per hour for up to 40 hours a week over 13 weeks. Retention bonuses of up to $1,000 per employee (capped at $10,000) may be available for trainees retained for six months Chicago.gov+1.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with bond-funded applications reviewed in 30-day competitive cycles and TIF-funded applications placed on waitlists if district funds are unavailable Chicago.gov+1. Eligible projects typically receive initial review within 1–2 weeks, pending documentation and funding availability Chicago.gov+1.
Program Legacy and Impact
Since its launch in 2002, the program has distributed more than $35 million in grants, benefiting over 600 Chicago businesses, 20,000 employees, and 2,000 new hires Chicago.gov+8Chicago.gov+8Chicago.gov+8. With its 2025 expansion, city leaders aim to deepen economic stability across neighborhoods and foster workforce resilience through targeted business and job training supports.
How to Apply
Interested businesses can visit the Workforce Solutions page on City of Chicago’s website to check program details, use the address locator tool to determine funding availability, and begin the application process. Questions or technical assistance can be directed to the Program Administrator, Employment & Employer Services.
