What We Do
The Public Sector Investment Strategy (PSIS) Team provides direct support and advocacy for priority projects seeking public funding. At the core of our work is inclusive and equitable economic development. The team also conducts grant administration and oversees Covid recovery support for business tourism and the hospitality industry.
Innovating for Tomorrow: Solar Innovation Prize & Department of Energy Request for Information
In this week’s edition of The Business Pulse, presented by World Business Chicago, we provided updates and information from our Public Sector Investment Strategy Team. This dedicated group of professionals…
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Advanced Energy Project Credit & National Science Foundation Programming
Over the past month, World Business Chicago’s Public Sector Investment Strategy (PSIS) team actively engaged in several impactful initiatives. The team attended programming hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF),…
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The National Science Foundation Designates Chicagoland as a Quantum Hub
The federal government under the Biden-Harris administration, names the Chicago region as an Innovation Technology Hub for Quantum Tech. This milestone for Chicago land is a prestigious recognition that opens…
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Our Work
The Public Sector Investment Strategy (PSIS) Team provides direct support and advocacy for priority projects seeking public funding. At the core of our work is inclusive and equitable economic development. The team also conducts grant administration and oversees Covid recovery support for business tourism and the hospitality industry.
Building regional partnerships to proactively compete for federal funding opportunities.
We connect and convene Chicagoland partners to amplify and advocate for catalytic federal funding opportunities that advance a collaborative, regional approach to economic development. Our work increases support for the proactive and strategic pursuit of federal funding aligned with the Chicagoland region’s unique strengths and industry ecosystems.
Federal Funding Support
The PSIS team supports partners seeking funding in a variety of ways; dependent upon the opportunity, strategic alignment, team capacity, and need. This support may include: - Analysis and amplification of key open and upcoming funding opportunities, resources to assist, and strategic insight - Letters of support - Connecting potential partners, building coalitions - Application collaboration as a thought or strategy partner Reach out at us psis@worldbusinesschicago.com
Current Grant Opportunities
A key list of funding opportunities the team is tracking is located here. Our team focuses on opportunities related to recent Biden legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as well as funding relevant to Chicago's key industry sectors. These programs are typically aimed at establishing regional solutions that address transition to a green economy, technology and innovation, manufacturing, community development, and more.
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Support for Business Tourism and Hospitality Recovery
WBC partnered with the City of Chicago through 2022-2023 to support business tourism and the hospitality industry as part of the Chicago Recovery Plan. As an industry convener, WBC hosts roundtables, workshops, networking events, and informational sessions to connect and promote growth in Chicago’s key industry sectors. Through these convenings, WBC provided business opportunities to over 350 small, Chicago-based hospitality businesses, including AV companies, restaurants, venues, decor companies, and live entertainment, from 96% of Chicago’s wards. Over 50% of these vendors have been minority or women-owned businesses.
ARPA Vendor MapPast Programs
Cultural and Industry Pop-up Showcases Program
WBC launched the Cultural and Industry Showcases Program in 2022 on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This program highlighted small, Chicago-based businesses, activated key vacant commercial spaces, and celebrated Chicago’s cultural and global diversity. In partnership with the Magnificent Mile Association, six culturally-focused pop-up stores and one industry-focused activation were completed between April 2022 and December 2023. This program supported over 100 Chicago-based businesses across 80% of the city’s wards.
Open Call
Hospitality Vendors