Cook County Launches Solar Synergy Program to Support Businesses and Job Seekers Interested in Solar Installation
(COOK COUNTY, IL) -- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the official launch of Cook County Solar Synergy, a program that connects small businesses and job seekers with the resources they need to enter and succeed in the solar-installation sector.
Participating businesses can benefit from industry-specific no-cost advising via the Cook County Small Business Source, while job seekers can enroll in training programs led by two nonprofit organizations—HIRE360 and OAI, Inc.—that prepare them for careers in solar installation.
“We are thrilled to launch this program that provides access to an emerging industry with a bright future in Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “Businesses that participate in Solar Synergy will benefit from tailored advising and other valuable resources through our Small Business Source program, and job seekers will receive comprehensive training from two acclaimed nonprofits that puts them on a pathway to a long, prosperous career.”
Led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, Cook County Solar Synergy is supported by a $1.1 million grant the County received from the U.S. Department of Energy in June 2023.
Besides advising, the Cook County Small Business Source offers participating businesses access to accelerator programs that offer specialized training, business-development support and networking opportunities for contractors.
Businesses will also receive updates on the latest sources of financing and have access to a calendar of informative events, held both in-person and online.
Builders Avenue, a Business Support Organization (BSO) within The Source, will provide the direct, one-on-one business-advising services because of its expertise in cultivating the financial health of businesses in the construction industry through comprehensive coaching, training and back-office support.
Builders Avenue previously served as a referral partner for The Source, connecting small businesses with the program’s resources.
"Builders Avenue is excited about this evolution in our relationship with The Source. We started as a referral partner in 2024 and are looking forward to supporting small businesses in Cook County within the construction sector,” said Builders Avenue Chief Strategy and Development Officer Nitika Nautiyal. “The Source brings together the best of our small business ecosystem. The collaboration amongst BSOs is inspiring and a great reminder that we are stronger together."
For job seekers, HIRE360 offers a training program that prepares them for apprenticeship opportunities in trades that support solar installation—including in construction and as an electrician—and OAI, Inc., offers a LYTE Solar Pipeline Training Program that prepares participants for entry-level employment in solar installation.
Cook County Solar Synergy also includes an advisory committee that unites the County with several stakeholders in the solar-sector, small-business and workforce ecosystems.
These stakeholders share knowledge intended to maximize businesses' returns and improve workers’ economic mobility.
“Solar Synergy represents a critical step forward for Chicago’s workforce and clean energy future,” said HIRE360 executive director Jay Rowell. “At HIRE360, we are proud to empower underrepresented communities and create sustainable career pathways. This partnership underscores the impact of collaboration in ensuring the benefits of solar energy reach all workers and businesses across Cook County.”
Amanda Allen, executive director of OAI, Inc., also expressed excitement about the program.
"OAI is incredibly excited to be part of Solar Synergy, especially in the context of the State of Illinois’ massive and transformative Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA),” Allen said. “We understand the importance of breaking down silos and uniting all stakeholders—employers, workforce training providers, government agencies and small businesses—to collectively build the workforce and business capacity required to achieve our clean-energy goals. With our extensive experience in environmental workforce training, we’re proud to contribute to this vital effort in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future for our region."
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Illinois is home to a $5.7 billion solar-installation market—and over half of new solar-installation jobs nationally only require a high school diploma or GED.
According to World Business Chicago, the number of jobs in the solar-installation sector in Cook County is expected to grow by 47 percent over the next 10 years.
“Cook County is proud to lead this future-facing program,” President Preckwinkle said. “We are grateful to our many partners on this endeavor.”
For more information, visit cookcountyil.gov/solarsynergy.
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