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
SBIR Grant
The SBIR Grant provides funding to support small businesses in research and development.
Yeego Action Grant
The Yeego Action Grant provides funding to support Native American artists and communities.
State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides funding to support small businesses in expanding their exports.
National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC) Grant
The NWBOC Grant provides funding to support women-owned businesses and promote business development.
Ladies Who Launch Grant
The Ladies Who Launch Grant provides funding to support women and nonbinary entrepreneurs.
National Women's Business Council (NWBC) Grant
The NWBC Grant provides funding to support women-owned businesses and promote economic outcomes.
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Grant
The WIPP Grant provides funding to support women-owned businesses and promote public policy solutions.
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce Grant
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce Grant provides funding to support women-owned businesses.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Growth Grant
The NAWBO Growth Grant provides funding to support the growth and development of women-owned businesses.
Founders First CDC Pride Grant
The Founders First CDC Pride Grant provides funding to support businesses owned by LGBTQ+ individuals.
HUBZone Program
An SBA sponsored program to promote economic development by offering financial grants
8(a) Business Development Program
A program established by the SBA and designed to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals access to federal contracting opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Illinois