(a)Direct qualified investments, loans, or participation investments in investment or loan portfolios authorized by this Article of this Act may be made for the purpose of financing any new process, technique, product, service or device which is, or which may be, capable of being reduced to practice, and which is, or which may be, commercially exploitable by (i) young or growing Illinois businesses or (ii) applicants who have qualified for Federal Small Business Innovation Research funds. Financial assistance proceeds may be used for expenses that include, but are not limited to, costs incurred for research and development, amortizable organizational costs, working capital financing, the purchase or lease of machinery and equipment, and the acquisition, improvement or rehabilitation of la
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(a) Direct qualified investments, loans, or participation investments in investment or loan portfolios authorized by this Article of this Act may be made for the purpose of financing any new process, technique, product, service or device which is, or which may be, capable of being reduced to practice, and which is, or which may be, commercially exploitable by (i) young or growing Illinois businesses or (ii) applicants who have qualified for Federal Small Business Innovation Research funds. Financial assistance proceeds may be used for expenses that include, but are not limited to, costs incurred for research and development, amortizable organizational costs, working capital financing, the purchase or lease of machinery and equipment, and the acquisition, improvement or rehabilitation of land and buildings. In determining if direct qualified security investments or loans are to be made, the Department shall find that there is a likelihood of commercial feasibility given the state of development of the proposed product, process, or technical device, and that there is a likelihood of increased job opportunities in the near term as a result of the security investment. Direct qualified security investments or investment loans for an eligible applicant shall not be made for more than $500,000 and shall not be made for more than 50% of the business project costs unless the Director determines that a waiver of these limits is required to meet the purpose of this Act. In making a determination to participate in an investment or loan portfolio of an authorized participating lender or investor on behalf of eligible applicants, the Department shall find that the administering financial intermediary is capable of effectively evaluating the commercialization feasibility of the proposed product, process, service or technical device technology and the likelihood of increased job creation impact that may result from project financing. In no instance shall the Department's participation in an investment or loan portfolio of any authorized participating lender or investor exceed $2,000,000 at one time. (b) A loan made for company modernization or retooling may be for any purpose consistent with the objectives of this Act including, but not limited to, purchases of advanced machinery, equipment and tooling; organizational expenses for services, personnel training, corporate restructuring; working capital; acquisition, improvement or rehabilitation of land and buildings which are an integral part of a new production or process technology; or any other business expense reasonably related to the project. In determining if a loan is to be provided, the Department shall determine whether there will be an expected improvement in production levels, quality of output or timeliness of delivery and that the number of jobs to be created or retained is reasonable in relation to the loan funds requested. A loan to eligible applicants for modernization or retooling shall not be made for more than $500,000 or for more than 25% of the business project costs unless the Director of the Department determines that a waiver of these limits is required to meet the purposes of this Act. (c) Grants may be made for the purpose of financing feasibility studies, competitive assessments or productivity services which the Department determines may result in technology enhancement, retooling, restructuring or other competitiveness improvements. In determining the amount of a grant, the Department shall: (i) examine the level of expertise of the consultant or firm undertaking the feasibility study or competitive assessment; (ii) evaluate the likelihood of an applicant's proposed feasibility study or competitive assessment resulting in a substantial improvement in the applicant's operations; (iii) determine whether that improvement will result in the creation or retention of jobs. Grants to eligible applicants shall not exceed $100,000 or 50% of the project costs unless the Director of the Department determines that a waiver of these limits is required to meet the purposes of this Act.