ETIP Grant Overview NORBIC's Employer Training Incentive Program (ETIP) helps keep Illinois workers' skills in pace with new technologies and business practices, which in turn, helps boost competitiveness. ETIP grants can reimburse Illinois companies for up to 50% of the cost of training their employees. NORBIC administers the ETIP program on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. NORBIC is committed to ensuring that State funds are administered in a way that contributes to measurable improvement in the local economy in terms of business health. Therefore, priority for NORBIC's training grants is given to manufacturers and related companies located within the Governor's Northeast Economic Development Region and funds must be used to underwrite future training for employees that will help contribute to positive, measurable change in the manufacturer's process, distribution or leadership capabilities. Our Funders NORBIC's free and low cost business assistance programs are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Defense, the City of Chicago, and matching funds from corporate and foundation partners.