Public Sector Investment Strategy: Federal Funding Highlights and Opportunities

In this edition of the World Business Chicago Business Pulse, we spotlight the efforts of our Public Sector Investment Strategy (PSIS) team. With a focus on leveraging federal funding opportunities to drive economic growth and innovation in the Chicago region, the PSIS team is comprised of Emily Souza Rutkowski, Vice President; Nicolette Peters, Manager; and Sania Erwin, Manager.

Join us as we share recent highlights and upcoming initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to maximizing federal funding for the benefit of our city and its communities.

The PSIS competitively positions the Chicago region for federal funding via:

• Amplifying and educating key stakeholders about relevant opportunities,
• Supporting partners with federal funding initiatives,
• Expanding collaborative partnerships, and,
• Promoting a regional approach to economic development.

Recent Highlights:

• This week, the PSIS team partnered with Chicago’s Department of Environment for an Earth Day event focused on Chicago’s sustainability goals and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). @Chicagos Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar spoke about Chicago’s climate goals, and experts from the White House and Department of Treasury joined for a panel discussion on IRA tax credits. The PSIS team plans to continue the conversation about IRA tax credits through follow-up partnerships, programming, and materials aimed at helping businesses, nonprofits, and other partners better understand how to pursue these incentives. Read the press release or this Chalk Beat report.
• Last week, the PSIS team hosted a webinar covering U.S. Department of Agriculture food and agriculture-related grant opportunities. We analyzed past award examples and shared tips for a competitive application. We intend to continue sector-focused webinars and educational activities; stayed tuned.
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator program is hosting a free Regional Expansion Event in Chicago on May 29. This program focuses on speeding up use-inspired research into practice. This event is a good opportunity for academic, industry, nonprofit, and government entities to network and discuss potential project collaborations.

Insights and updates from our Public Sector Investment Strategy team will be featured in future Business Pulse editions on the fourth Thursday of every month. In coming updates, we’ll highlight recent Chicagoland federal funding wins, hot opportunities, applications in progress, and ways our team can support you with your federal funding initiatives

• Interested in discussing a funding opportunity?
• Want to hear more about how we might help you?

Email the PSIS team at psis@worldbusinesschicago.com