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
Enhancing Reuse of NHGRI Data Assets (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
The National Institutes of Health is accepting applications for grants to support the reuse of data assets.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION – MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
The Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command is accepting applications for requests for information to support innovation ecosystems.
Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination
The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support ocean technology and interdisciplinary coordination.
Physical Oceanography
The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support physical oceanography research.
FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) FAA Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program
The Airport Improvement Program Discretionary Grants is accepting applications for grants to support contract tower competitive grants.
Biological Oceanography
The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support biological oceanography research.
NSF Dynamic Language Infrastructure - NEH Documenting Endangered Languages
The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for grants to support language infrastructure and documentation.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant
Provides up to $5,000 in funding to artists experiencing recent, unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies.
Zoom Solopreneur 50
A national recognition program supporting independent entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of work.
Intuit QuickBooks x Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program
The Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program awards $20,000 grants to U.S. small businesses with owners aged 18 or older that show courage, perseverance, and integrity.
Dare To Post Challenge
The Dare To Post Challenge offers a $100,000 prize pool split evenly among eligible creators who complete a 30-day daily posting challenge on Instagram.
Cultivate Small Business
Santander's Cultivate Small Business program is a free, 12-week virtual training initiative designed to support early-stage food entrepreneurs, with a focus on underserved founders in low- to moderate-income communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois