Apply if you’re based in Illinois.
Evergreen Climate Innovations works with Nicor Gas to support entrepreneurs who are making a positive environmental impact throughout Illinois.
Recipients of the Nicor Gas Illinois Innovator Award receive a non-recourse grant of $25,000, 12-months of business mentorship from Nicor Gas and Evergreen Climate Innovations, and heightened exposure to both investors and potential customers.
Applications for the 2026 program are closed.
Award Application Criteria
Founder:
Best fit is for companies in the pre-seed or seed stage
Eligible Geographies:
Based in Illinois or has a substantial Illinois presence
Company Criteria:
- 2-12 full-time employees
- Can be either product or service-based
- No more than $3M in funding raised
- Must demonstrate at least 3-6 months of funding runway
- Does not need to be market-ready, but preferred
Sectors:
Renewable energy, energy efficiency, smart buildings/cities, water, ag-tech, energy storage, mobility/advanced transportation, circular economy, and digital solutions for operational efficiencies, reduced maintenance costs, customer engagement, and/or worker training/management
If you have any questions, please email Senior Program Manager Dylan O’Reilly at dylan@evegreeninno.org.
Ready for investment and support?
Your climate tech startup may be eligible.