Grants
Allies for Community Business has partnered with several public and private organizations to provide grants to small businesses over the last several years. Since April of 2020, we have provided over $477M in grants to 23,000 small businesses in Illinois and Indiana.
As new grant opportunities arise, we will post them here along with instructions on how to apply.
As new grant opportunities arise, we will post them here along with instructions on how to apply.
Community Development Grants
Administered by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
The Chicago Recovery Plan provides opportunities for the City to invest in catalytic developments by financing pre-development, construction, or renovation projects for small businesses in Chicago via grants of more than $250,000.
Eligibility
- Applicants from all areas of Chicago are eligible to apply. Priority projects are located in historically disinvested areas and/or build upon existing efforts and community safety initiatives.
- Priority is given to catalytic projects with a strong local impact that are able to leverage local talents, capacities and institutions to strengthen and contribute to the community.
- Priority is given to projects that demonstrate momentum and are expected to break ground within six months of grant acceptance.
Deadline: August 9, 2024
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
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Juicy Luzy Sangria Luz CavazosThe grant helped us to pay our back-owed rent and utilities, buy supplies, and stay afloat.
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Back of the Yards Coffee Company Jesse IniguezThe grant helped us stay open and keep our employees working.
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