Illinois Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
Illinois supports small businesses through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Intersect Illinois, and numerous local programs. Chicago and other major cities offer additional grant opportunities for entrepreneurs.
DCEO Programs
The Illinois DCEO offers various grant programs including the Advantage Illinois program, Small Business Development Loan program, and industry-specific incentives for manufacturing and technology companies.
Chicago Business Grants
Chicago offers numerous small business programs including the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund, Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and various TIF district incentives for qualifying businesses.
Regional Programs
Illinois regions outside Chicago have their own economic development programs. Intersect Illinois can connect businesses with regional grants, tax incentives, and workforce training funds.
Illinois Business Grants
107 grants found
Hustler's Microgrant
Provides $1,000 in funding to support passionate entrepreneurs in their small business ventures across the United States.
The Freed Fellowship Grant
What is the grant programme? The Freed Fellowship helps small business owners get the resources, mentorship, and community they need to build successful companies that make an impact. Every month, we give one $500 grant to business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. We review each grant submission against our 5C Framework which analyzes five key components that successful businesses need to navigate: What's the application process? If you are interested please click above and the site will walk you through the process of award acceptance and the necessary onboarding steps. What information will I need to provide? - Project details. - Application questions.
Awesome Foundation Grants
Monthly grants of $1,000 awarded by independent chapters to individuals and groups for various projects, including startups and small businesses.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Business Programs
Offers loans, grants, and guarantees to promote rural business growth and job creation.
Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
One‑year funding opportunity for organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals and awards, and better prepare awardees for commercial success.
Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneur Training Program (VFPETP)
Funding opportunity for current VFPETP recipient organizations, with an initial 12‑month period and two option years, offering procurement training for start‑up and established small businesses.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Federal grant program that partners small businesses with research institutions to develop and commercialize technology.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Federal grant program that supports small businesses conducting scientific research and development with high commercialization potential.
Grants for Community Organizations
Grants that promote entrepreneurship, including support for veteran‑owned and service‑disabled veteran‑owned businesses and Small Business Development Centers.
Manufacturing Grants
Grants to help empower small manufacturers as part of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, providing hands‑on training and workforce development.
Capital Readiness Program
Discover our program offering technical assistance to support growth and scalability of minority and underserved entrepreneurs.
HUBZone Program
An SBA sponsored program to promote economic development by offering financial grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois