M3 Chicago: Metro, Manufacturing, Momentum

Service Information

 

M3 Chicago advances equitable and sustainable development by helping manufacturers expand, collaborate, network, innovate and access critical resources. Supported by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, M3 Chicago connects the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.  

Cook County has developed a suite of programs to address the needs of manufacturers that are offered under the M3 Chicago umbrella with a focus on talent solutions and innovation. 

Have questions? Get in touch at M3@cookcountyil.gov.  

TALENT AND WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS 

 Cook County Career Connector 

  • The Cook County Career Connector consists of a series of in-person programs and events throughout suburban Cook County that connect residents to quality career-path opportunities and employers to a skilled and diverse talent pool. This program is brought to you by Cook County and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership).  

Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator   

Good Jobs Chicagoland 

  • Good Jobs Chicagoland is an employer-led initiative driving economic resilience and growth in Cook County--with manufacturing among its focal points. Cook County has partnered with the National Institute of Metalworking Skills to consult with manufacturers on their talent needs, supported by funding from the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) to implement job training and placement programs for manufacturers.

Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers (PCIC) Challenge grant

  • Led by the Families and Workers Fund, a platform for building a more equitable economy, the PCIC Challenge selected the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development to receive a grant that will address workforce gaps in the clean-energy industry. The Bureau will lead an initiative establishing good job standards for Cook County and develop a plan to integrate them into the County’s prioritization of programs and investments.

GROWTH AND INNOVATION 

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented 

  • Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented reimburses manufacturers countywide up to $25,000 in eligible expenses toward the implementation of projects designed to improve productivity, develop future leaders, provide workforce training and support business growth. Advisors from the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center work one-on-one with manufacturers to define project scope, evaluate solution options and chart a path forward for each manufacturing awardee.  

 Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium 

  • The Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium (ILDMC) brings together stakeholders from industry, community, government and academia to strengthen the casting and forging sectors in northeastern Illinois. The ILDMC provides technical advising, networking and access to resources related to workforce development, supply chain management, innovation and cybersecurity awareness, and access to government contracting.  

Metals Hub 

  • Metals Hub is a Cook County collaborative created in partnership with the Southland Development Authority to help the metals, machinery and equipment (MM&E) industry diversify and grow. Metals Hub members are offered opportunities to bid on RFQs, engage in networking and knowledge sharing forums, and collectively pursue opportunities for supply chain diversification and new market penetration.  

  

Sign up for the M3 Chicago monthly newsletter! 

Your go-to source for regional manufacturing news, events and insights, delivered directly to your inbox monthly. With each update, M3 Chicago will provide content to help manufacturers expand, collaborate, network, innovate and access critical resources. Sign up now!  

Related Links

Downloads