Boosting Sustainability: Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Program
La Grange Business Association
Our business is to help you build yours.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced Round 2 of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrade Program. This program provides grants to grocery stores across Illinois, helping them invest in energy-efficient equipment and enhance sustainability in their operations.
Whether you’re running a for-profit, not-for-profit, or cooperative grocery store, this program offers an exciting opportunity to upgrade key equipment while reducing operational costs. Here’s what you need to know:
Who’s Eligible?
The program is open to independently owned grocery stores and cooperatives meeting the following criteria:
Fewer than 500 employees.
No more than four locations.
Stores that sell fresh food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Stores must accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.
What’s Covered?
Grants can be used to reimburse costs for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment, including:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Refrigeration units and freezers.
Energy-efficient lighting systems.
The program prioritizes stores located in or at risk of becoming food deserts, but eligibility is not limited to these areas.
How Does It Work?
Participants must contribute 25% of the project’s total costs, ensuring a collaborative effort to boost sustainability. Matching funds can come from non-state sources, such as federal funds, private investments, or local municipal funding.
Application Details
Interested businesses can contact Chicago State University or Western Illinois University for technical assistance in preparing their applications. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025, but it’s never too early to start planning.
This program is an excellent opportunity for grocery store owners to modernize their facilities, reduce energy costs, and contribute to sustainability goals. If your business is eligible, consider exploring this grant to make impactful improvements while strengthening your community.
For more details, visit the Illinois DCEO website.