The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.

Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide.

Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

Learn more about Chicago SBIF and check for roll out dates HERE.

In 2016, the City of Chicago revised the Zoning Code to leverage funds generated by new development in and around the Loop to catalyze investment in Chicago’s West, Southwest and South Sides. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund uses these funds to support commercial corridors in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. Business and property owners may apply for grant funding to pay for the construction or rehabilitation of real estate and projects that support new or expanding businesses or cultural assets.

Learn more about the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund and Application HERE.

The goal of the home modification program is to enable low-income elderly persons to remain in their homes through low-cost, low barrier, high impact home modifications to reduce older adults’ risk of falling, improve general safety, increase accessibility, and to improve their functional abilities in their home. This will enable older adults to remain in their homes, that is, to “age in place,” rather than move to nursing homes or other assisted care facilities.

HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes is making available grant funds and training resources to non-federal entities. Under this NOFO, experienced nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities will deliver home modification services to qualified beneficiaries.

Learn more about HUD and check for roll out dates HERE.

The IL Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has just announced a 25 million in funding for the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR) which allows eligible homeowners the ability to address home maintenance needs that were delayed and exacerbated due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

HAFHR will award grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million to nonprofits and/or governmental entities. Grantees will, in turn, make home repair grants up to $60,000 per eligible homeowner.

Learn more about the HAF Home Repair Grant and Application HERE.

The Small Business Administration is seeking applications for its Tribal College Small Business Achievement Grant Program. The mission of the TCSBA Program is to act as the catalyst for providing in-depth, substantive, outcome oriented business services to Native American entrepreneurs, both nascent and established businesses, a representative number of which are socially and economically disadvantaged. This mission is accomplished through the award of financial assistance to Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c) to enable them to affect substantial economic impact in their communities, as measured by successful business start-ups, job creation and retention, and increased company revenues.

A total amount of $1,000,000 in FY 2023 funding is available for this program. SBA expects to make four awards with a maximum amount of up to $250,000. Only qualified recipients will be funded. No matching contributions are required.

Learn more about the Tribal College Small Business Achievement Grant and Application HERE.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis (SAMHSA) provides grants to healthcare providers and organizations that serve refugee and migrant people in the US.

This opportunity creates a Technical Assistance (TA) center to grow the capacity of healthcare providers and organizations that serve refugee and migrant people in the US. The TA Center will provide learning opportunities, training, and technical assistance, including clinical consultation; interactive online learning modules; learning communities; targeted TA and coaching; online educational materials and resources that are culturally relevant, language-relevant, resiliency focused, and trauma-informed. Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,000,000
Period of performance: Up to 5 years.

Learn more about the Refugee and Migrant Behavioral Health Grant and Application HERE.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to invite proposals for funding from capable applicants to eligible small business concerns under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Program to promote the development, success and long-term strength of small businesses providing specialized management and technical assistance, entrepreneurial education and training in delivering of vital business development services to Native American business communities across the country.

SBA expects to issue up to $320,000 in total under this announcement. SBA anticipates the amount of funding provided under each award will be in the range of $160,000. However, in the interest of promoting specialized services to areas with a population of Native Americans.

Learn more about the Native American Micro Enterprise Grant and Application HERE.

The Library of Congress is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to make cooperative agreement awards in support of contemporary ethnographic field research focusing on the cultures and traditions of diverse communities across the United States.

The Library of Congress intends to award up to 10 awards pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity. The Library’s intention is to make awards of up to $50,000. The Library may choose to make no awards or more than ten awards.

Learn more about the Library of Congress Grant and Application HERE.

LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League are committed to encouraging entrepreneurship by supporting and investing in black small business owners. Tipping off at the start of Black History Month, the third of six grant cycles will open in this multi–year program.  The deadline to complete the application was February 17, 2023.

One of many ways small businesses can apply for the capital needed to grow. As part of our mission to provide continued education to founders, all grant recipients also receive a scholarship to one of our acclaimed accelerator programs. Grant money can be used as growth capital to hire or rehire premium wage jobs. Cash infusion can be used to purchase, fix or enhance equipment necessary to help manage growth challenges and scale for the future.  The deadline to complete the application was February 8, 2023.

Neighborhood Access Program (NAP)
The 2023 NAP application is now open. Idea Submission deadline was Friday, May 19 at 5pm CST.

The goal of this program is to support the cultural vitality of every Chicago neighborhood via grant programs and partnerships designed to be responsive to the complex needs of individual communities. This program will offer direct grants for all types of place-based arts and culture activities.

The Back to Business (B2B) grant program provides recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries.  Through the state’s B2B and Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program.

The program design for B2B Restaurants, B2B Hotels, and B2B Arts, respectively, are based on legislation which established the Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1100), Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1095), and the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant program (30 ILCS 709/40).

Applications will be open between April 5 and May 10, 2023. DCEO encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions.

The LGBTQIA+ National Grant provides eligible small businesses the chance to receive one of 25 grant packages totaling $25,000. Founders First is committed to increasing the number of diverse founder-led businesses generating over $1 million dollars in revenues. We are offering $25,000 in Small Business Grants.
The $25,000 fund will make investments to 25 LGBTQIA+ led businesses in the United States.

The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists, a $10,000 grant, supports visual artists who are self-identified Black trans women and trans femmes. This new grant is made possible entirely through support provided by visual artist Mariette Pathy Allen with key consultancy by Aaryn Lang. This year, Mariette Pathy Allen has decided to expand the grant to further recognize finalists for their artistic achievements. Queer|Art is pleased to announce that the grant will also provide a $1,250 award to four distinguished finalists.

Qualified artists must be self-identified Black trans women and trans femmes working in visual art and based in the United States. Applications are open March 31, 2023-July 12, 2023.

The Cook County Small Business Source proudly introduces The 2023 Source Grant, which will provide $40 Million in grants to small businesses to help stabilize operations, foster recovery and resiliency, and advance equity in a post-pandemic economy. Application dates are July 20 – August 18.

Application review will begin in August 2023 and not before – so there is no rush to apply. Applicants will be notified of their application status by November 2023 and grant awards will be distributed in January 2024.

Inspired by Founders First CEO, Kim Folsom’s brother, U.S. Navy veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, the $25,000 fund will make investments of $1000 each to 25 veterans who are running employer-based small businesses across the country. Application deadline is 16 OCTOBER 2023.

Learn more about the Founders First Veteran Business Grant and Application HERE.

Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Marketing Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.”

Learn more HERE.

Business Training cohorts are 10-week immersive business training programs comprised of specialized workshops, training, and resources facilitated in conjunction with the Neighborhood Business Center at West Side Forward. This cohort will meet from September - November 2023 in person on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at West Side Forward HQ. Read more HERE.

West Side First also offers several grant opportunities with all of them open for application right now:

JI2 Program

JI2 is designed to create a pathway for individuals impacted by the justice system to tap into tangible opportunities for economic mobility and growth. Through intensive, hands-on training to either start a new career or build a business in three industries with high growth earning potential.

read more and apply HERE

Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Cohort

The Manufacturing Entrepreneurship cohort assists founders in LMI markets in scaling hardtech businesses. MEC graduates become members of the BIT alumni network granting free access to a plethora of ongoing support and resources.

read more and apply HERE

Business REMIX

Did you have a functioning business that was impacted by COVID-19? Need help rethinking your business idea and strategy? It's time to re-examine your business, the current business climate and help you identify critical adjustments required to succeed in this new economy.

read more and apply HERE

The program takes a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time. The program builds upon HUD’s successful Lead Hazard Control programs to expand the Department’s efforts to address.

Learn more about HUD and check for roll out dates HERE.

The program takes a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple childhood diseases and injuries in the home by focusing on housing-related hazards in a coordinated fashion, rather than addressing a single hazard at a time. The program builds upon HUD’s successful Lead Hazard Control programs to expand the Department’s efforts to address.

Learn more about HUD and check for roll out dates HERE.

Learn more and check for roll out dates HERE.

During the Spring 2024 Grant Cycle, spanning from January 1 to March 31, non-profit charitable programs have the opportunity to secure grants in two essential categories: Food and Housing. Subsequently, in the Fall 2024 Grant Cycle, which extends from July 1 to September 30, organizations can apply for grants within two distinct categories: Housing and Economic & Workforce Development. This structured grant program aims to support and foster initiatives that address critical needs in these specified areas during the respective cycles.

Learn more about the Charitable Trust Grant HERE.

Introducing the Good Food Fund, a pioneering initiative supporting food entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Developed with input from the Food Equity Council, this program aims to drive growth, innovation, and inclusivity in the food industry.

Managed by Allies for Community Business (A4CB) and backed by a $5 million grant, the fund will provide sub-grants and low-interest loans across the food ecosystem. A4CB will also offer coaching and support for applicants.

To ensure fairness, a community advisory committee with industry experts and locals will guide the fund's operations.

Learn more about the Good Food Fund HERE.

TechRise offers weekly pitch competitions for early-stage entrepreneurs in Chicagoland, providing a platform for overlooked founders to showcase their startups. Founders can apply for upcoming competitions on a rolling basis, with pitch coaching and mentorship provided beforehand. Every Friday at 12 CST, five founders pitch their businesses to VC judges on Zoom, with competitions livestreamed on YouTube. The winning startup receives a non-dilutive grant prize ranging from $25K to $50K.

Learn more about TechRise HERE.

The SECC, in collaboration with the Elizabeth Louise Smith Fund of the Chicago Community Trust and private donors, is pleased to bring the 2024 Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program Grant. Formerly known as the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant, this program aims to improve the physical appeal and walkability of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn, and Washington Park. Since 1999, it has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to over 200 projects led by community organizations, block clubs, schools, and park advisory councils. The application deadline is April 29, 2024, and grants can reach a maximum of $5,000 per project, depending on the proposed enhancements.

Learn more about the Shirley J. Newsome Beautification Program HERE.