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
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.
Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) Program
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business grant opportunities.
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.
Build to Scale Program
The Build to Scale Program provides funding to support entrepreneurship and innovation
Yégo Action Grant
Provides up to $2,500 in quick-response funding for Native artists and culture bearers who need support to sustain their creative endeavors due to emergencies or unanticipated expenses.
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.
U.S. National Institutes of Health Grants
The NIH is currently funding grant opportunities related to COVID-19 research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois