June 16, 2026 Aidan Boleyn-Fitzgerald and Shaurya Vohra
Each year, Illinois passes a Budget Implementation Act (BIMP) alongside the state budget. The BIMP contains the legal and administrative changes needed to carry out the spending plan, making it one of the key vehicles for budgetary policy changes. We looked through the 848-page act and found four provisions relevant to small businesses.
Small Business Security Grants
Illinois small businesses can now apply for grants to fund security improvements if they face a high risk of threats or terrorism due to their profile or mission. These funds cover physical upgrades or security training to protect staff and the public.
Childcare Business Grants
A new program will help individuals start their own home-based childcare businesses through entrepreneurial training. Small centers and home providers can also apply for grants to convert or renovate their buildings. These grants require the business to keep its facility running as a childcare site for at least five years.
Construction Worker Bid Credits
Contractors and subcontractors in the building trades that hire apprentices who have finished state-approved training programs can now earn economic incentives through a special bid credit program. Earning credits will increase the likelihood that the business will be selected for future state-funded public works projects.
Financial Support for Pharmacies
Illinois is creating a grant program to help pharmacies remain financially stable. Funding will come from fees paid by pharmacy benefit managers. Each year, the first $25 million in fees will be used for pharmacy grants.
Shaurya Vohra is a Policy Research Intern at the SBAC and a rising sophomore at the University of Chicago studying Economics and Data Science.