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
The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge
The 2026 UPS Store Small Biz Challenge offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a grand prize, including a cash award from the $35,000 prize pool and a spotlight in Inc. magazine.
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge
The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a national pitch competition offering a share of $1 million in prizes to support innovative, real-world problem-solving ideas created by students in grades K–12.
Skip's $10,000 2026 Kickoff Grants
The Skip's $10,000 2026 Kickoff Grants offer funding to support U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) is a grant program that helps small businesses expand their exports.
AAUW Career Development Grants
The AAUW Career Development Grants offer up to $8,000 to help women take the next step in their STEM careers.
The Kitty Fund
The Kitty Fund will award a total of $20,000 to 20 small business owners who identify as mothers through the Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant.
2026 Halstead Grant
The 2026 Halstead Grant recognizes emerging silver jewelry artists who show both creative talent and business potential.
Manufacturing Grants
SBA provides grants to help empower small manufacturers as part of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative.
Associate Development Organizations (ADOs) Grants
Local economic development partners in each of Washington’s 39 counties, providing resources, loans, grants, and support for growth.
USDA Rural Business Loans & Grants
The USDA offers loans, loan guarantees, and grants to help businesses start, expand, or add value to their business in rural areas.
SBIR & STTR Innovation Grant Programs
Competitive grant funding from 11 federal agencies to help small businesses develop and test new products, ideas, or technology.
Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Small Grant Program
The EEOST provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit corporations to develop or improve a child care facility in which at least 50% of the child care enrollment consists of low-income families who are eligible to receive public subsidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois