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
Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) Program
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization
SBIR/STTR programs
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs that provide funding for research and development to small businesses.
USDA Business Programs
USDA’s business programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate rural business creation and growth.
Skills for Small Business
The Skills for Small Business grant supports businesses with fewer than 100 employees and incentivizes training for new, full-time workers.
NYS-Certified Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot Program
Support for early-stage companies varying from physical space to access to capital.
Research and Development Grants
Fund a diverse portfolio of startups and small businesses across technology areas and markets to stimulate technological innovation, meet Federal research and development (R&D) needs, and increase commercialization to transition R&D into impact.
Yéego Action Grant
The Yéego Action Grant provides quick-response funding for Native artists and culture bearers who need support to sustain their creative endeavors due to emergencies or unanticipated expenses.
The Wish Local Empowerment Program
Assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners.
StartOut Scholarship Program
Offers scholarship opportunities to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who wish to participate in their Founder Program and become a Giving Member.
PEDIGREE Foundation Disaster Relief Grant
Provides up to $5,000 to nonprofit animal welfare organizations responding to state- or FEMA-declared disasters.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The NASE Growth Grants provide up to $4,000 to assist with training, marketing, and more.
The Kitty Fund
The Kitty Fund will award a total of $20,000 to 20 small business owners who identify as mothers through the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois