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
International Tourism Grant Program
A grant program for certified local tourism and convention bureaus to develop, coordinate and promote international tourism marketing efforts.
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.
VA GPD Per Diem Only NOFO
The Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program is accepting applications for grants to support per diem only.
VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families is accepting applications for grants to support veteran families.
Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
Grants for veteran-owned businesses
SBIR/STTR programs
Grants for small business innovation research
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.
Matching Grants Leverage Program
Innovation Matching Grants Program
New York State Accelerators and Competitions
Empire State Development connects scalable companies with New York State’s top universities, talent, and manufacturing facilities through its support of several cutting-edge accelerator programs and funding competitions.
NYS-Certified Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot Program
Support for early-stage companies varying from physical space to access to capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois