IRMA Foundation

We Are Retail

Retail is crucial to Illinois’ economy. The retail industry provides one out of every four Illinois jobs, generates the second-largest amount of tax revenue for the state, and is the largest source of revenue for local governments. But we know retail is so much more than numbers and revenue.

Every retailer has a story to tell. From family businesses stretching generations to budding entrepreneurs, neighborhood staples, and new pop-up ventures, retailers are the faces we repeatedly see, the answers to our everyday needs, and the trusted contributors to some of life’s greatest moments – big and small. The We Are Retail campaign shares the stories of Illinois independent retailers through videos, photos, and blogs. Created by the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), We Are Retail is designed to raise awareness of the impact retailers have on our lives and our communities.

Being a retailer requires passion, dedication, tenacity, and heart. We invite you to learn more about what motivates retailers as they share how their profession can be challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Their products and services may vary, but every story proudly proclaims: We Are Retail.

Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition

As Illinois’ first scholarship competition of its kind, the Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition strives to ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among the state’s high school students. This exciting initiative offers a unique pathway to mentorship and deep exposure to the vibrant retail economy, empowering students to collaborate with local merchants, tackle real-world business challenges, and compete for valuable scholarships.

The goal of this business competition is to connect students with Illinois retailers to inspire and support high school seniors who are passionate about business, entrepreneurship, retail, and making a positive impact. We are looking for students who can present a creative, viable, and impactful business idea.

Illinois high school seniors will form teams of 2-4 students and collaborate on a pitch presentation and video in response to the retail prompt. A handful of teams will earn the chance to present their pitch to leaders from the participating retailers in an award ceremony/selection event with the top teams earning up to $60,000 in scholarship funds.

Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program

The Illinois Retail Leaders Apprenticeship Program provides retail education, real-world training, and industry exposure for those who already work in retail and retailer employers wanting to train current employees.

The program offers:

• 150 hours of online retail instruction
• 2,000 hours of PAID on-the-job training
• ZERO cost to the employer or apprentice
• U.S. Dept. of Labor Retail Operations Specialist Certificate
• Up to $5,000 tax credit per apprentice for employers

IFRA Scholarship Program

The IRMA Foundation awards 10 $1,500 IFRA scholarships each academic year. These scholarships are for high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are sons and daughters of full-time employees of former IFRA retail members who are current members of IRMA OR part-time employees who are full-time students employed by former IFRA retail members who are current members of IRMA.

The application period is currently closed. The 2027-2028 cycle will open in January 2027.

The 2026-2027 scholarship application period closed on March 1, 2026. Check back in early 2027 for the next round of scholarships.