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
154 grants found
New York Business Express
A comprehensive resource for starting, running, and growing a business in NYS, including a Business Wizard and information on support programs and incentives.
New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership
A network of organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers in every corner of the state.
Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers
A program that, for nearly 40 years, has supported entrepreneurs with training, counseling and technical assistance at EACs throughout the state.
Emerging and Regional Partner Program Fund
Invests in diverse fund managers with first-, second- or third-time funds, or with managers who will use the funds to invest in areas of New York State where venture capital is less readily available.
Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Provides access to airport concessions for disadvantaged businesses.
New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program
Provides access to bid bonds, payment and performance bonds for contractors performing on publicly funded projects via participating surety companies.
New York State Contractor Financing Program
Provides financing to contractors in need of working capital to deploy and execute federal, state, and local government related contracts.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois