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
120 grants found
CDBG Disaster Response Program
Designed for communities experiencing an imminent and urgent threat to public health and safety as indicated by a disaster declaration by the Governor of Illinois.
Illinois Reproductive Grant Expansion Program
Provides grants for pregnancy centers staffed by licensed health‑care professionals to deliver medical and counseling services related to pregnancy prevention, preservation, or termination.
Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program
Provides federal funding for community‑based projects that assist private businesses in retaining or creating full‑time, permanent jobs, and may fund public infrastructure improvements supporting local companies.
Federal Grant Support Program - Round 2
Makes $16.9 million available to Illinois‑based proposals seeking competitive federal grants, providing match assistance to increase competitiveness.
Small Business Development Centers
Provides information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources to start‑up and existing small businesses throughout Illinois.
Illinois Infrastructure Grants
Capital grants administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support infrastructure projects for local communities and businesses.
Route 66 Grant Program
Providing grants to certified convention and visitors' bureaus for development of tourism, education, preservation and promotion of the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
International Tourism Grant Program
A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts.
SBIR/STTR Match Program
State match to companies that have received awards through the SBIR and STTR grant programs, providing additional funding to explore high‑tech product potential and commercialization.
Manufacturing Training Academies
Capital grants provided through this opportunity will support the creation of Manufacturing Training Academies located at community colleges in the state.
Clean Energy Contractor Incubator
The CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program helps equity-eligible small businesses gain the tools and support they need to enter and succeed in Illinois’ clean energy economy.
Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program (Round 2)
The Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program seeks to promote bioprocessing in Illinois by providing assistance with the infrastructure and capital equipment necessary to expand training and research capacity in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois