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Workforce Solutions
The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes employer-led skills training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses.
Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the 2025 Housing and Economic Development Bond. Grants fund up to 75% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires.
The next round of Workforce Solutions applications is expected to open in the second quarter of 2025. More information regarding program details and the application process will be posted prior to the opening of the application period.
Originally created in 2002 as TIFWorks, the Workforce Solutions program has awarded over $35 million in grants to provide training to more than 600 Chicago businesses, 20,000 employees and 2,000 new hires. The program has helped provide training in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, nonprofits, small businesses, hospitality and health care.
The program initially spanned 40 TIF districts. Within a decade, City Council passed an amendment that allowed the program to expand to 67 TIF districts, and in 2025, the program was expanded to become available to businesses citywide.