Grants for Small Businesses: Empowering Growth in Illinois

At the Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NWHCC), we are committed to the success and growth of small businesses in Illinois. We understand that access to financial resources is critical for business expansion, innovation, and sustainability. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive list of grants available to small businesses across the state, designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Why Choose NWHCC?

  1. Extensive Grant Resources: Our website provides up-to-date information on a variety of grants tailored to the needs of small businesses in Illinois. Whether you are just starting out or looking to scale, we connect you with opportunities that align with your goals.
  2. Expert Guidance: Navigating the grant application process can be complex. At NWHCC, we offer personalized support to help you understand the requirements, prepare compelling applications, and increase your chances of securing funding.
  3. Local Impact: We are deeply invested in the economic development of Illinois. By facilitating access to grants, we are directly contributing to the growth and sustainability of local businesses, fostering job creation, and driving community prosperity.
  4. Ongoing Support: Our commitment doesn’t end with the grant application. NWHCC provides continuous support through mentorship, business training, and networking opportunities to ensure that your business thrives long after receiving funding.

At NWHCC, we are not just offering resources; we are actively involved in supporting and growing businesses across Illinois. Join us, and let’s work together to elevate your business to new heights.



 

  • Illinois Works Bid Credit Program
  • Eligibility: “Contractors or subcontractors that employ apprentices that have completed the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program on any project (stated or privately funded) are eligible to earn bid credits they can use to make their bids for future state-funded public works projects more competitive.”

 

Funding Opportunities:

  • DCEO (few highlighted below)

 

Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2) (Notice of Funding 

  • For a complete list of DCEO grants, please visit our website. 

 

 

  • Additional DCEO funding

 

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Description: “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.”
  • Deadline: August 15, 2025

 

  • Additional State of Illinois

 

  • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency - Energy Efficiency Assessment Program
  • Description: “The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program provides funding to public housing authorities, local governments, or nonprofit organizations to conduct energy efficiency assessments at properties benefiting residents receiving housing assistance from a state or federal program.”
  • Award Range: $5,000 to $25,000
  • Deadline: No specified due date. Note this has been open for a while.


 



  • Local Governments

 

  • City of Chicago - Community Development Grants (CDG)
  • Description:
  • Medium CDG: “Medium grants…are intended to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service and mixed-use projects”
  • Large CDG: “Large grants…are intended to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service and mixed-use projects”
  • Award Range: Small CDG – up to $250,000; Medium CDG – between $300,001 - $5 million; Large CDG - $5 million and above
  • Deadline:
  • Medium CDG: February 14, 2025 at 11:59pm
  • Large CDG: Rolling


 


 

  • Jo Daviess County Small Business Development Grant
  • Description: “Eligible applicants include any [Jo Daviess County]-based or to be based private sector small business retailer, manufacturer, service provider, wholesaler, those in the hospitality industry, along with farmers and food processors.”
  • Award Range: up to $25,000
  • Deadline: May 30, 2025

 

  • Village of Gurnee – Impact Grant
  • Description: “This is a 1:1 matching grant open to a business of any size located within the Village of Gurnee corporate limits, generate sales tax, in good standing with the Village and compliant with all obligations, & a building owner of a qualifying business. No minimum project size with a rolling application period.”
  • Award Range: $10,000 - $20,000

 

  • Private/Community Resources

 

  • Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program
  • Description: Open to certified minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses (certified by national or state organizations) in the following states California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The annual revenue of the business should be between $250,000 to $10 million.
  • Award Range: $5,000


 

  • DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief
  • Description: “…DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures…” Open nationwide to “a restaurant, gastropub or bakery with a brick & mortar location that has experienced a loss in revenue as a direct result of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or major infrastructure failure which occurred within the last 12 months”, been opened at least 6 months, “Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location”, and “Have revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months.”
  • Award Range: $10,000
  • Deadline: Winter Round due March 3, 2025 at 5pm; Spring Round due May 30, 2025 at 5pm

 

  • Vilcek Foundation (grant to support orgs who support immigrant artists)
  • Description: “…invites applications for grants to support nonprofit organizations that work with immigrant artists and communities, and that promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities.” Open nationwide and U.S. territories nonprofits with 501(c)3 status.
  • Award Range: $5,000 and $20,000
  • Deadline: June 30, 2025





 

  • Village of Gurnee – Impact Grant
  • Description: “This is a 1:1 matching grant open to a business of any size located within the Village of Gurnee corporate limits, generate sales tax, in good standing with the Village and compliant with all obligations, & a building owner of a qualifying business. No minimum project size with a rolling application period.”
  • Award Range: $10,000 - $20,000

 

  • Private/Community Resources

 

  • Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program
  • Description: Open to certified minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses (certified by national or state organizations) in the following states California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The annual revenue of the business should be between $250,000 to $10 million.
  • Award Range: $5,000


Galaxy Grants ⎮ Funding for Women & Minority Business Owners

All women & minorities, experienced, new, or aspiring business owners are encouraged to apply! We are here to reach everybody up, regardless of where you are in your business journey.
Deadline to apply is March 31st, 2025.



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