Market Development Initiative

The Ameren Illinois Market Development Initiative (MDI) is a community‑focused effort designed to support individuals and local organizations with access to energy‑saving upgrades, clean energy opportunities and the benefits that come with them.

Market Development Initiative Goals:

  • Access: Make energy‑saving and clean energy programs easier for everyone to use, especially in underserved communities. 
  • Procurement Advancement and Transformation: Support and expand opportunities for local organizations and small businesses.
  • Workforce Development: Create pathways to clean energy careers through hands‑on experience, job placement, scholarships, certifications and more.

Jobseekers served:

More than 850 since 2021

Community-Based Organization Partners:

26

Energy Efficiency Kits Distributed:

13,410 since 2022

Customers engaged:

More than 600,000 since 2018

Internships Funded:

127 since 2018

Scholarships Awarded:

333 since 2018

Community-Based Organization Management

  • Customer Outreach
  • Customer Referrals
  • Community Kits

Workforce
Development

  • Services and Support
  • Scholarships
  • Internships 

Procurement Advancement and Transformation

  • Procurement Process
  • Vendor Database
  • Outreach and Events

Program Ally
Incubator

  • Back Office Support
  • Hand-On Training
  • Mentorship

Grant Writing Support

  • Consultation and Planning
  • Proposal Development
  • Budget Planning

Other MDI Information

Background

The Market Development Initiative (MDI) was established in 2018 as part of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program to closely integrate with both the Business and Residential teams on day-to-day operations, helping to identify more project opportunities, maximize customer touchpoints and create a streamlined process for customers to participate in the Clean Energy Program. To this point, the MDI cultivates new economic and clean energy opportunities for individuals and communities in the Ameren Illinois service territory. 

MDI in Action

Since its inception in 2018, the Market Development Initiative has impacted the Ameren Illinois service territory through various means. Specifically, the MDI emphasizes expanding access to opportunities for local individuals to enter the clean energy industry by awarding scholarships, funding internships, providing support services to jobseekers, and connecting jobseekers to employers with open positions. Additionally, the MDI partners with a network of nonprofit community partners to extend the reach of the Ameren Illinois Clean Energy Program and directly engage with customers. Furthermore, the MDI supports the development of new and growing clean energy businesses by providing resource grants and increasing implementation partner access to the goods and services these businesses provide. 

Resource Grants

  • Resource grants are available to local Program Allies, Community-Based Organization Partners, Program Ally Incubator Alumni and contractors that work with Community Action Agencies.
  • Grants are available to support the business operations and are to be applied to tasks and functions that relate to clean energy. 
  • For example, a resource grant may be used to purchase equipment needed to complete projects or short-term salary support for an employee. 
  • For more information contact adeeb@ameren.com.

Copay Assistance

  • Some small businesses that are approved for energy efficiency projects may be eligible for copay assistance.
  • Copays are reserved for nonprofits and other small businesses within the Ameren Illinois service territory.
  • Copay amount awarded is based on need and available funding.
  • Small Business customers interested in copay assistance should contact their Small Business Energy Advisor.

Not Sure Where To Start?

For more information about our award-winning clean energy programs, please contact us.

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