Illinois grants for Small businesses

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Illinois to establish a peer-staffed phone line that offers free, confidential emotional support and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Freeport's downtown area for exterior improvements to their commercial buildings, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of the district.

This program provides financial support to social equity-licensed cannabis businesses in Cook County to help cover startup and operational costs, prioritizing those in historically marginalized communities.

This initiative provides financial support and mentorship to minority-owned small businesses in specific West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, helping them grow and contribute to their communities.

This program provides matching grants to local businesses in Libertyville to support growth and sustainability through various improvements, excluding general operational costs.

This program provides $10,000 grants to small businesses in the U.S. that promote women's advancement and gender equity through their products, services, or initiatives.

The Regional Site Readiness Program’s Planning Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and private landowners for planning and due diligence activities aimed at preparing industrial and manufacturing sites for future development across all counties in Illinois.

CDBG COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant – Illinois: The City of Danville is offering up to $139,820 in funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to support small businesses within the city in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant aims to supplement existing federal or state programs and provide targeted assistance to help Danville businesses effectively navigate the impact of the pandemic.

This program provides financial assistance to new small businesses in Evanston, helping them cover essential operating costs and equipment expenses to foster job creation and sustainability.

This grant provides matching funds to commercial property owners and businesses in specific zoning districts of Libertyville, Illinois, to improve the appearance and condition of their buildings and sites.

This program provides funding and support to community agencies that assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing equitable employment opportunities and transitioning away from subminimum wage jobs.

The Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that will deliver mental health services in county jails for individuals deemed Unfit to Stand Trial, helping them maintain their mental health while awaiting transfer to psychiatric hospitals.

Will County has allocated $225,000 in grant dollars to support the important work of early child care providers in Will County. Child care providers pursue grant funding for educational materials, developmental support services, and/or improvements to physical space and technology. The “Elevate Will County – Child Care Provider Grant” represents a key priority for Will County: Supporting and empowering early childhood development throughout the county. The grant is funded in the FY2024 budget, utilizing allocated dollars from the State of Illinois Cannabis Sales Tax. Will County is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to administer the grant. Grant awards will range from $2,000 to $10,000. Providers can submit multiple applications for award through the grant. Child Care providers have until May 22, 2024 to apply! Only DCFS Licensed Child Care providers within Will County are eligible. A virtual technical assistance workshop will be held on April 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

Equitable Energy Future Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 3054-2638): The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, administered by the Commerce And Econ Opp agency, aims to provide seed funding and pre-development funding opportunities to eligible contractors for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in historically disadvantaged communities. The program is designed to remove barriers caused by lack of capital and promote project, community, and business development. The anticipated number of awards is 40, with an estimated total program funding of $25,500,000. The award range is between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The source of funding is the state government of Illinois. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements, but indirect costs are not allowed. The application period is from November 16, 2023, to June 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Technical assistance sessions are offered on November 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM and registration can be done through a provided link. Applicants must be pre-qualified entities registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. For more information on eligibility criteria and application requirements, please visit the grant application link provided in the description above.

This funding opportunity provides resources to healthcare organizations in Illinois to improve infection prevention and control practices in long-term care facilities and acute care settings, promoting health equity and effective healthcare measures.

Grant Opportunity: Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program (Illinois) The Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program in Illinois supports elementary schools, community centers, and public libraries in engaging teaching artists for short-term residencies. The program prioritizes advancing equity and access in the arts, particularly for underserved audiences such as BIPOC communities, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited access to the arts. Eligible applicants can request a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $4,500 to cover 75% of residency costs. Additional percentages can be added under specific conditions. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or units of government in Illinois, while the selected artists must be based in Illinois. The application deadline is at least eight weeks before the project start date. For more information, visit Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program.

The Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program offers progressive courses with one-on-one coaching to help clean energy contractors to develop a business plan. It provides operational support grants, tailored business coaching, mentorship, access to Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program services, assistance with certifications and vendor status, support in preparing bids, networking opportunities, and access to financial development assistance programs, including zero-interest and low-interest loans.

The Job Training and Economic Development - Teachers Apprenticeship Program aims to provide targeted job training and development opportunities through a state-funded grant. Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding to establish or enhance apprenticeship programs for teachers. This opportunity supports efforts to develop the educational workforce and improve economic opportunities within the community. The program is anticipated to award 4 grants, with a total funding amount of $2,000,000 available. Grants will be awarded ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted from the announcement date until the specified closing date. Technical assistance sessions are available for prospective applicants. These are not mandatory but are offered to provide additional support. The session is scheduled for 03/28/2024 at 1:00 PM, and registration can be completed online.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.