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
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.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
Provides financial awards to state and territory governments to help businesses export.
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.
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.
America's Seed Fund
A SBA-sponsored fund that awards funding to startups and small businesses.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois