Grants
As new grant opportunities arise, we will post them here along with instructions on how to apply.
Good Food Fund
Funded by the City of Chicago
The Good Food Fund provides food and beverage businesses with grants for labor, construction or capital improvements, supplies, transportation and distribution, or working capital. This is the second and final round of Good Food Fund grants.
Review the application questions here before applying.
To view answers to frequently asked questions, click here or watch the webinar recording here.
Eligibility
- Currently operating food or non-alcoholic beverage business focused on agriculture, manufacturing, processing, wholesale, distribution, service, retail, or research and development. (See the application questions for a list of eligible industry codes.)
- Located in Chicago.
- Holds a current City of Chicago food or beverage business license. (Application may be submitted without this, but the license must be issued no later than September 24, 2024. Contact help@a4cb.org for assistance.)
- Has established a business bank account.
- Filed a federal tax return in 2023 showing at least $10,000 of gross revenue.* Grant awards will be calculated based on 2023 gross revenue:
- $10,000 for businesses with $10,000 – $100,000 gross revenue or fiscal sponsor applying on behalf of a new business
- $30,000 for businesses with $100,001 – $250,000 gross revenue
- $100,000 for businesses with $250,001or more gross revenue (limited to a maximum of five grants)
*A fiscal sponsor may apply on behalf of a business in the incubation stage. See application instructions for details.
Priorities for Funding
- Located in an area of Chicago with low food access.
- Locally owned and operated.
- Serves local customers.
Deadline: September 13, 2024
![](https://a4cb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Good-Food-Fund-Grant-Round-2-square-graphic-1024x1024.png)
Wells Fargo Small Business Grant Program
Administered by Allies for Community Business
Wells Fargo, A4CB, QCDC, and West Side Forward will provide $5,000 problem solving grants to 20 entrepreneurs with physical storefronts on the South and West Sides of Chicago.
Si necesita ayuda en español, contáctenos al info@a4cb.org o al (312) 275-3000.
Eligibility
- Two years of operating experience with this business (as evidenced by 2022 and 2023 federal tax returns)
- Revenues between $50K and $500K in either 2022 or 2023
- A storefront in one of the following eight community areas:
- South Side: Kenwood, Oakland, Douglas, Grand Boulevard
- West Side: Near West Side, East Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Lower West Side (Pilsen)
Deadline: September 27, 2024
![](https://a4cb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Wells-Fargo-edited.png)
Small Business Improvement Fund
Administered by the City of Chicago and SomerCor
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund provides small businesses with reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement costs.
Eligibility
- Commercial and industrial business located in Chicago’s TIF districts
- Industrial businesses must have 200 or fewer employees
- Commercial businesses must gross average annual sales under $9M for the prior 3 years
Deadline: Dependent on TIF district
![](https://a4cb.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/grants-dpd-sbif.jpg)