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
8(a) Business Development Program
Program established by the SBA to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals access federal contracting opportunities.
Good Jobs Challenge
The Good Jobs Challenge is a workforce program that aims to accelerate local economic growth and rebuild regional economies so they are more resilient to future challenges, while placing American workers into jobs.
Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA)
The RNTA program funds research, evaluation, and national technical assistance projects that promote competitiveness and innovation in distressed rural and urban regions throughout the United States and its territories.
Recompete Pilot Program
Provides flexible grant investments to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term, comprehensive economic development and job creation. The program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average.
Build to Scale (B2S)
The Build to Scale (B2S) Program builds regional economies through scalable startups and includes three competitions supporting entrepreneurship, acceleration of company growth, and increased access to risk capital across regional economies.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Offsets international business development and related marketing costs for small businesses. The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a grant program that helps small businesses in Massachusetts to expand their exports and enter new markets.
The National Minority Supplier Development Center
The National Minority Supplier Development Center provides resources and support to minority-owned businesses.
Minority Business Development Agency US Department of Commerce
The Minority Business Development Agency US Department of Commerce provides resources and support to minority-owned businesses.
America's Small Business Development Centers
America's Small Business Development Centers provide resources and support to small businesses.
Community Development Block Grant Program
Provides funding for community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals.
Community Services Block Grant Program
The Community Services Block Grant Program provides funding for community services that help low-income individuals and families.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households reduce energy costs by making homes more energy-efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois