DPD has partnered with Local Industrial Retention Initiatives (LIRI) in each of the designated TIF districts for this model. Applications for this model will be accepted for one year on a rolling basis until reserved TIFWorks funds in each TIF district are exhausted. Applications must be submitted directly to the respective LIRI partner in order to be considered for this grant.

How do I apply? 

1. Confirm that you are in an eligible TIFWorks Manufacturing Empowerment TIF district and identify your designated LIRI partner by using the TIFWorks Address Locator Tool.  
2. Contact your designated Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) to discuss your training needs and for assistance in completing the application.
3. Fill out the application completely and submit the requested training documentation to your designated LIRI contact.
4. Once you have received approval on your application, you may proceed with training. 
5. After your training is completed, provide requested documentation to the LIRI for reimbursement.

Application Checklist

Please note that you will be required to submit the following documentation along with your completed application:

• Detailed training curriculum/training description for each training (from trainer)  
• Training estimate (from trainer)  
• Participant list for each training   
• Copy of business license  
• Economic disclosure statement (EDS)  
• Child support affidavit 
• Principal profile  
• NEW HIRES ONLY: Job description for each new hire position  
• NEW HIRES ONLY: Proof of Chicago residency (State ID/driver’s license)

 
Download the application

You can download the application here. 

An informational template on how to complete the application can be downloaded here. 

DPD recommends contacting your LIRI partner prior to completing the application to ensure that you are an eligible candidate.  

Am I in a Manufacturing Empowerment TIF District?

The following is a list of TIF districts in the City of Chicago where the TIFWorks Manufacturing Empowerment program has been authorized, as well as the corresponding Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) organization administering the program.

Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council 

35th/Halsted TIF 
47th/Halsted TIF  

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation  

Galewood/Armitage TIF  
Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF  
Pulaski Industrial Corridor TIF 

Greater Southwest Development Corporation 

Greater Southwest Industrial Corridor (West) TIF 
Midway Industrial Corridor TIF 

Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago 

Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF 

Peterson Pulaski Business & Industrial Council 

Peterson/Pulaski TIF 

 
How does reimbursement work?

1. After the application is approved and the training is completed, the business provides the required training and payment documentation to the LIRI. Required items include:
   1. Sign-in sheet for each training/proof of attendance
   2. Proof of payment by company
   3. NEW HIRES ONLY: Official payroll records (for training participants)
2. The LIRI submits a voucher to the City for reimbursement.  
3. In 3-5 weeks after submitting a complete voucher to the City, the LIRI should receive an electronic payment from the City. The LIRI then reimburses the business directly.