Illinois Business and Commerce Grants

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program to enhance access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant program is designed to incentivize the establishment of new grocery stores within "food deserts," which are census tracts characterized by specific poverty standards, population density, and limited food accessibility. The core mission alignment is to combat food insecurity and improve public health by addressing the systemic issue of inadequate access to nutritious food. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are communities residing in identified food deserts across all counties in Illinois. The impact goals are to alleviate food insecurity, increase the availability of fresh and healthy food options, and foster economic development within these communities. The program prioritizes supporting the establishment of new grocery stores by offering competitive grants to cover eligible capital and non-capital costs, effectively reducing the financial barriers for businesses willing to operate in these challenging environments. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of new grocery stores operating in food desert areas, leading to improved food access for residents. Measurable results will be tracked through quarterly performance data submitted by grantees. These measures encompass the completion of new store project milestones, quarterly food sales, the sustained operation of new grocery stores for at least one year post-completion, and the number of employees in full-time equivalents. These metrics will allow DCEO to assess the program's effectiveness in achieving its objectives. The DCEO's strategic priority through this initiative is to directly address social determinants of health and economic equity by ensuring all Illinois residents have equitable access to healthy food options. The underlying theory of change is that by providing financial incentives for new grocery stores in food deserts, the market will respond to the unmet demand for fresh food, thereby improving community health, increasing local employment, and revitalizing underserved areas. The total funding allocated is $14 million across multiple rounds, with individual awards ranging from $160,000 to $2,400,000, demonstrating a substantial commitment to this strategic goal. The project period is from July 1st, 2024, to December 31st, 2026.

This program provides funding to organizations in Illinois to develop and expand apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations, by fostering collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

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.

This funding opportunity provides $100,000 to established for-profit businesses in Cook County, Illinois, to support their growth through capital investments in workforce expansion, equipment, and facility upgrades.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

The Route 66 Grant Program is designed to support the promotion and marketing of regions along the historic Route 66 corridor in Illinois. The program is specifically aimed at certified Convention & Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) and local tourism bureaus, which are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $20,000 to $300,000. The total program funding is $4 million. There is no cost-sharing requirement, and indirect costs are not allowed to prevent potential double dipping. Applications for the Route 66 grants will be accepted until September 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, qualified entities can apply for International Tourism grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, with a separate application deadline of September 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

The State Planning and Research Program funds are federal funds for States' statewide planning and research activities. The funds are used to establish a cooperative, continuous, and comprehensive framework for making transportation investment decisions and to carryout transportation research activities throughout the State. Please note: when other CSFA program funds are used as a match (typically 1437), they will be awarded/recorded under the specific CSFA program such as this one. Matching funding totals should be reduced from the matching program and added to the specific program.

This program provides financial and technical support to community investment vehicles and worker cooperatives in Chicago, enabling them to develop commercial real estate projects that empower local residents and promote equitable economic growth.

The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) is offering Restaurant Relief Grants to provide crucial support to restaurants within Rockford and Winnebago County, Illinois. As the official destination marketing and management organization for the region, the RACVB's mission is to promote Rockford as an attractive travel destination and enhance its public image. By providing these grants, the RACVB aligns with its broader mission by ensuring the vitality of local businesses, which are integral to the region's appeal and economic health, directly contributing to a dynamic place to live and work. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County that experienced increased state unemployment insurance charges due to compliance with indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 of 2021. The impact goal is to mitigate the financial strain on these businesses, helping them to remain operational and recover from the economic challenges presented by the mandates. The grants aim to support the continued existence of these restaurants, which are vital components of the local economy and community fabric. The grant program prioritizes restaurants that can certify their principal place of business is within Winnebago County, Illinois; complied with the indoor dining closure mandates in Q1 2021; laid off staff resulting in increased state unemployment insurance charges; incurred or will incur a higher rate of state unemployment benefit charges in 2022, 2023, and 2024 due to those Q1 2021 charges; and remain operational today. The focus is specifically on businesses that were directly affected by state mandates and are now facing ongoing financial repercussions in the form of higher unemployment benefit charges. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of a greater number of local restaurants that were impacted by the 2021 dining closures. Measurable results could include the number of restaurants that receive grants, the total amount of funding disbursed, and potentially, the continued employment levels within these businesses over the grant duration. The maximum award a restaurant may receive is $100,000, as set by the State of Illinois, with the total grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The RACVB's strategic priorities, through this program, likely include economic recovery and resilience for the local hospitality sector, ensuring that Rockford and Winnebago County remain attractive destinations for both residents and visitors. The theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial relief to struggling restaurants, the grants will alleviate a significant financial burden, allowing these businesses to stabilize, retain staff, and contribute to the overall economic well-being and image of the region. This, in turn, supports the RACVB's overarching goal of promoting and enhancing the Rockford region.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) has announced a new grant opportunity through its Community Health (UWWV CH) and Youth Success (UWWV YS) Impact Councils. This initiative is designed to support projects that address the overall health of area youth. The program aligns with the UWWV's mission by investing in the well-being of the community's youngest members, fostering a healthier future for the Wabash Valley. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are children aged 6 to 18 (K-12) within the UWWV service area, which includes Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties in Indiana, and Clark County in Illinois. The impact goal is to improve the mental, behavioral, and physical health and well-being of these youth. Programs are encouraged to take a holistic approach to health, with an emphasis on innovative solutions that can be implemented during the school year, summer 2025, or other out-of-school times. Priority will be given to programs that serve youth in outlying counties (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion in Indiana, and Clark in Illinois), demonstrate strong collaborations and partnerships among organizations, and integrate physical exercise with social/emotional well-being, mental health, life skills, and/or food and nutrition. The focus is on creating comprehensive programs that address multiple facets of youth health. The UWWV's strategic priorities are evident in the grant's emphasis on youth health and community collaboration. The theory of change suggests that by investing in innovative, holistic programs for youth, the UWWV can contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Expected outcomes include improved mental, behavioral, and physical health among participants, enhanced life skills, and better nutritional habits. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, successful applicants would likely be expected to track participant engagement, improvements in health indicators, and the development of key skills. A total of $30,000 in funding is available, with individual applicants eligible to apply for $1,000 to $5,000, to be expended by August 31, 2025. This funding structure allows for a broad range of impactful projects. Eligible applicants include youth-serving organizations, school and civic organizations, businesses, local government entities (e.g., Parks Departments), faith-based organizations, and non-profit health services organizations. A key requirement for counseling, therapy, or life skills services is the provision of evidence that a licensed or certified counselor will perform these services in person, as virtual sessions will not be funded.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in Illinois, provides funds to assist Illinois communities in their economic and community development efforts, particularly focusing on aiding individuals with low-to-moderate income.

Description: The Illinois Grocery Initiative aims to establish new grocery stores in food deserts to increase access to fresh food in underserved areas. This grant, under the funding opportunity number FY24-2 and CSFA number 420-35-3295, anticipates awarding 8 grants with a total program funding of $14,000,000. Eligible projects must involve capital expenditures, as operational costs are not covered. Grants will range from $160,000 to $2,400,000, and applicants are required to meet cost-sharing requirements. The application window opens on 04/09/2024 and closes on 05/24/2024. Indirect costs are allowed but restricted to capital-only expenditures. There are mandatory and optional technical assistance sessions provided to assist applicants, with registration required through provided links.

The Governor and the General Assembly direct the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer grants for specific miscellaneous purposes to bolster the state’s economy, promote a clean environment, and improve the overall quality of life throughout the state of Illinois. This grant program is available to any entity receiving funding via lump sum appropriation. Eligible costs for this program are bondable costs associated with the acquisition of land and/or buildings. This includes acquisition costs of all improved or unimproved real property including appraisal fees; title opinions; surveying fees; real estate fees; title transfer taxes; condemnation; and related legal expenses. This may include construction on, and/or renovation to, the property after purchase.

The Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program is a grant aimed at enhancing Illinois' bioprocessing sector by funding the development of infrastructure, capital equipment, technical staff, and providing affordable access to facilities for businesses and students.

This grant provides funding to counties, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and local promotion groups in Cook County to promote tourism and increase overnight stays in paid accommodations through marketing and promotional activities.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering a Business Resiliency program, funded by federal Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds. This grant aims to support the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of property for homeless shelters, with the goal of increasing their capacity to pre-COVID levels. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and requires all awarded projects to demonstrate a connection to the prevention, preparation, and response to the coronavirus. The primary objective is to provide stable, safe, and adequate housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, aligning with the broader mission of community development and support for vulnerable populations. The target beneficiaries are homeless individuals, with the impact goal of increasing the capacity of shelters to serve more people and improve living conditions. This program directly addresses the critical need for enhanced housing infrastructure in the wake of the pandemic, ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle homelessness. A key priority of this grant is to fund projects that meet the National Objective of Low to Moderate Income for the benefiting businesses, ensuring that the assistance reaches those most in need. The program also emphasizes robust collaboration among local entities, requiring letters of support from a minimum of five community homelessness support services. This fosters a coordinated approach to addressing homelessness and ensures comprehensive service delivery. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of available shelter beds and improved facilities for homeless individuals. While the total funding amount is yet to be precisely determined, it will be at least $15 million, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. The number of grants will be based on the amounts requested. The project period is anticipated to run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, allowing for a substantial duration to achieve the program's objectives. Measurable results will be tied to the increased capacity of shelters and their ability to provide stable and safe housing. Eligibility criteria require entities to be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, possess valid FEIN and UEI numbers, have current and public SAM.gov registrations, and be in good standing with state and federal lists. Eligible applicants must also be units of local government receiving "Entitlement" CDBG funding, have a current Shelter Funding Strategy, and remain compliant with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.

The City of Rockford’s Business Growth Program offers forgivable loans to for-profit businesses to advance business operations. The program's core mission aligns with fostering business development and growth, specifically targeting job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. While not explicitly a "foundation," the city acts as the funding entity with a clear strategic priority: local economic development through business support and employment opportunities for specific demographics. The program serves as a tangible mechanism to implement this theory of change by providing financial incentives for growth that directly contribute to job creation. The primary target beneficiaries are for-profit businesses legally established and operating within the City of Rockford’s municipal boundaries, specifically those in commercially or industrially zoned properties, and established by May 1, 2024. A key focus is on businesses located in eligible census tracts, ensuring that the benefits of the program are directed towards areas identified as needing economic upliftment. The impact goal is to stimulate business expansion, leading to increased employment opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals within the city. The program prioritizes projects that involve the purchase of equipment and operating expenses associated with business expansion. This includes inventory, employee salaries, rent, and advertising/marketing expenses. These priorities directly support businesses in their growth phases, addressing common financial hurdles they may face when expanding operations. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to maximize the potential for businesses to scale up and, consequently, create more jobs. Expected outcomes include a tangible increase in business development and job creation for low-to-moderate income individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond "up to $25,000 in gap funding" and "job creation," the implied metrics would be the number of businesses supported, the total value of loans disbursed, and the number of new jobs created for the target demographic. The city's strategic priority is to strengthen its local economy and reduce unemployment among its low-to-moderate income residents, with this program acting as a direct tool to achieve those measurable results.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants, offered by the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA), aim to bolster established not-for-profit organizations that deliver arts programming to their communities. This initiative directly aligns with the IACA's mission to support and strengthen the arts in Illinois. The grant provides financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for activities occurring between November 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Eligible entities include registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, branches of government, charitable trusts, institutions of higher education, religious organizations, and school affiliate organizations, all of whom must be in good standing with the state and meet specific operational and application criteria. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit arts organizations and, by extension, the diverse communities they serve across all counties in Illinois. The IACA's strategic priorities for this initiative are deeply rooted in equity and outreach. The program specifically focuses on under-resourced communities, including rural areas, high-poverty regions, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) groups, and individuals with disabilities. This targeted approach seeks to ensure that state support reaches a broader and more equitable demographic of Illinois communities. The initiative's core aims include analyzing the demographic distribution of past awards, engaging constituents for feedback on their needs and experiences, identifying areas for improvement in the IACA's funding approach regarding equity, and recommending actionable steps to achieve greater grant-making equity. These objectives are designed to build an evidence base that can be used to advocate for the resources necessary to expand state support to a wider array of Illinois communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more equitable distribution of arts funding and increased access to arts programming for under-resourced communities. The IACA anticipates that by addressing equity strengths and weaknesses and implementing recommended actions, they will successfully reach more diverse communities. Allowable expenses cover a wide range of operational costs, from artist fees and salaries to facilities, supplies, technology, marketing, and general administrative overhead, ensuring that organizations can effectively implement their programs and achieve their community impact goals.