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Small & Emerging Business Hub

Discover Financial Support for Your Business

Please note that the resources below are not administered by the IPA. For questions on these resources please contact appropriate entities responsible for these resources. 

Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow, finding funding and financial support can be a challenge. If you’re looking for small business grant or funding, the Small and Emerging Business Hub is here to help!

DCEO Grants and Funding

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities (DCEO) provides several grants and funding resources to support organizations throughout Illinois.

  • Advantage Illinois: Loan financing and loan guarantee programs
  • Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program: This CEJA program includes up-front capital and pre-development funding to develop solar and energy efficiency projects in eligible communities.      
    • Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program- As part of the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program provides grants to municipalities and community organizations to support the predevelopment and development of solar community projects that promote community ownership and energy sovereignty. Up to $8.5 million will be allocated annually for this program, subject to appropriation. To learn more, visit the DCEO website.
    • Equitable Energy Future Grant Program- As part of the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, the Equitable Energy Future Grant Program provides pre-development funding of up to $1 million for the development of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Funding supports Equity Eligible Contractors, community organizations, and job creation benefitting historically disadvantaged populations. To learn more, visit the DCEO website.
  • For updates on CEJA grant programs, visit the DCEO website.
  • For resources and trainings related to grants opportunities administered by DCEO, visit the DCEO website.

Get Support for Applying for Funding:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Illinois District Office The SBA helps small businesses by providing funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery, and can connect businesses to partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) The U.S. Department of Commerce partially funds the MBDA Business Center which helps clients secure capital, access new markets, compete for contracts, and make strategic partners and business moves.

Other State, Federal, and Local Grant Opportunities:

Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance highlights a list of open grant and funding opportunities across Illinois state agencies.

Grants.gov publishes federal funding opportunities for organizations that support the development and management of government-funded programs and projects.

City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund promotes economic development by providing small businesses with reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement costs.