Award Programs

The Rock River Valley Entrepreneurship Center (RRVEC), with support from the State of Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), offers several opportunities to qualified companies for Grant Funding.

Challenge Grant Awards
RRVEC solicits and reviews applications for rapid, sustainable growth potential opportunities within our four county region. A $5000.00 matching Challenge Grant is available to qualified companies who are selected by our awards committee. RRVEC is limited to 10 grants per year, therefore funding is competitive and requires review and selection by the RRVEC Awards Committee.

Stateline Business Academy Awards
The Stateline Business Academy is an intensified six-month facilitation process that provides qualified client partners with an advisory group and outside support services to assist with rapid growth projects. Selected client companies receive up to a $10,000 matching grant to facilitate the execution of this program.

Innovate Illinois Contest
Each year, the State of Illinois and DCEO conduct a business plan contest throughout the state. Business plans of high impact, sustainable growth opportunities are reviewed and regional winners throughout the state are chosen in several categories. These regional winners are then submitted to a statewide review board with the winners receiving greater financial grant opportunities, advisory services and presentation opportunities for private investment capital.