SBA disaster loanIL · disaster area
SBA Disaster Loans — Illinois: Severe Storms and Tornadoes (IL-20027)
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA low-interest disaster loans for Severe Storms and Tornadoes (incident period June 10, 2026 through June 11, 2026) — primary: Cook (IL), LaSalle (IL); contiguous: 15 counties in IL, IN. Businesses and private nonprofits can apply; the physical-damage deadline passed on September 8, 2026; economic injury (EIDL) applications due April 12, 2027.
- Amount
- The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
- When
- Apply by Apr 12, 2027
Who can apply
The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
Quoted from the official page.
SBA disaster loanIL · disaster area
SBA Disaster Loans — Illinois: Severe Storms (IL-20031)
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA low-interest disaster loans for Severe Storms (incident period July 2, 2026 through July 4, 2026) — primary: Kane (IL); contiguous: Cook (IL), DeKalb (IL), DuPage (IL), Kendall (IL), McHenry (IL). Businesses and private nonprofits can apply; physical-damage applications due October 5, 2026, economic injury (EIDL) applications due May 5, 2027.
- Amount
- The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
- When
- Apply by May 5, 2027
Who can apply
The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
Quoted from the official page.
SBA disaster loanIL · disaster area
SBA Disaster Loans — Illinois: Severe Storms (IL-20035)
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA low-interest disaster loans for Severe Storms (incident period July 27, 2026) — primary: Cook (IL), Will (IL); contiguous: 8 counties in IL, IN. Businesses and private nonprofits can apply; physical-damage applications due October 19, 2026, economic injury (EIDL) applications due May 18, 2027.
- Amount
- The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
- When
- Apply by May 18, 2027
Who can apply
The Interest Rates are (percent): For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.750; Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 2.875; Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000; Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000; Private Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.625
Quoted from the official page.
TrainingNational
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses – business education program
Goldman Sachs Foundation (10,000 Small Businesses)
Business education program for established small business owners, run in local in-person cohorts and a national online cohort. Applicants should be an owner or co-owner of a business operating at least two years, with revenue of $75,000 or more in one of the past two fiscal years and at least two employees including the owner. Applications are due about three months before a cohort starts: apply by October 2026 for the February–May 2027 national cohort.
- When
- Open now
Who can apply
Does your business have revenue of $75K or more in one of the past two fiscal years?
Quoted from the official page.
GrantNational
R4R Mitigation Grant – $5,000 for pre-disaster projects (Fall 2026)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
New for fall 2026: small businesses that take a 15–30 minute disaster resilience course on Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform between September 29 and November 15 become eligible to apply for a $5,000 grant for a pre-disaster mitigation project at their business.
- Amount
- a $5,000 Mitigation Grant supporting pre-disaster mitigation projects at your business
- When
- Apply by Nov 15
Who can apply
Between September 29 and November 15, take a 15-30 minute small business disaster resilience course on Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform to become eligible to apply for a $5,000 Mitigation Grant supporting pre-disaster mitigation projects at your business.
Quoted from the official page.
GrantNational
Walmart Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart
Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers give local grants of $250 to $5,000 to 501(c)(3) charities, schools, government entities and faith-based community projects in their service area. The current cycle runs August 1 to November 30; chambers (501(c)(6)) are not eligible.
- Amount
- Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000.
- When
- Apply by Nov 30
Who can apply
Eligible entities must be a: 501(c)(3) public charity: [...] Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): [...] School: [...] Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large [...] Note: Non-charities, including but not limited to organizations such as 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, and (c)(19)s like homeowner’s associations, civic leagues, or volunteer fire companies, are not eligible.
Quoted from the official page.
AcceleratorNational
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Tory Burch Foundation
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is a year-long fellowship for women-owned businesses with at least $75,000 in annual revenue, including a $2,000 education grant. Applications for the 2027 cohort are open September 22 to November 17, 2026, and applying is free.
- Amount
- $2,000 education grant (FAQ)
- When
- Apply by Nov 17
Majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by womenA woman entrepreneur who owns the largest or equally largest stake in a qualifying business
Who can apply
For profit, from any industry; Majority (51% or more) owned and controlled by women; Generating minimum of $75,000 annually. There is no maximum revenue requirement.; Formed under United States law and operating in the United States
Quoted from the official page.
GrantNational
HerRise MicroGrant
HerSuiteSpot
HerSuiteSpot's HerRise MicroGrant funds women-owned US businesses with under $1 million in revenue; each month's applications close on the last day of the month. There is a $15 application fee.
- When
- Open now
Contest$15 feeWomen-owned business
Who can apply
Women-owned business; Businesses currently registered in the US; Less than $1 million in gross revenue; Non-profits, franchise, direct seller, authorized reseller or independent consultant not eligible
Quoted from the official page.
GrantNational
Galaxy Grants
Hidden Star
Hidden Star's Galaxy Grant awards $2,500 and is free to apply. The current deadline is October 31, 2026, with winners announced the following week.
- Amount
- $2,500 Galaxy Grant – FREE to Apply!
- When
- Apply by Oct 31
Contestsupporting women & minority business owners
Who can apply
Each of these contests will be separate and are open only to persons over 18 years of age and who has set up any free or paid Galaxy of Stars membership account prior to or concurrent with entering or participating in the contest.
Quoted from galaxyofstars.org →GrantNational
Amber Grants
WomensNet
WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses every month, and three $50,000 grants at year end. Each month's entry period ends on the last day of the month; there is a $15 application fee with a fee waiver on request.
- Amount
- Each month, three (3) $10,000 Amber Grants will be awarded. [...] three (3) of the monthly winners will receive an additional $50,000 Year-End Grant.
- When
- Open now
Contest$15 feewomen (18 years or older) who own at least 50% of a business
Who can apply
Open to women (18 years or older) who own at least 50% of a business based in the United States or Canada. Eligible businesses include pre-revenue ventures, idea-stage startups, and revenue-generating nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits whose primary activity is charitable giving are not eligible.
Quoted from ambergrantsforwomen.com →GrantNational
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 national grant
Verizon
Verizon and LISC select 10 small businesses each month from June through December 2026 for $10,000 grants. Owners unlock the one-time application by completing two free Digital Ready courses or events in 2026.
- Amount
- 10 small businesses will be selected for grants each month [...] $10,000 grants
- When
- Open now
Random drawingContest
Who can apply
Owners of for-profit small businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are 18 or older may apply. Owners of multiple businesses may apply for one business only.
Quoted from the official page.
GrantIL · statewide
Federal Grant Support Program (Round 2)
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
State matching grants of up to $2 million (up to 1:1 with the applicant’s own cash) for Illinois businesses, nonprofits, schools and local governments that are applying for a competitive federal grant. Apply at least three weeks before the federal deadline; the award is contingent on winning the federal grant.
- Amount
- The Department may provide a grant up to $2,000,000 that entails up to a 1:1 match of the applicant’s cash contribution towards the project.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
Applicant must be the primary applicant on a federal award application being submitted directly to a grant-making federal agency.
Quoted from dceo.illinois.gov →GrantIL · statewide
Illinois Grocery Initiative: Equipment Upgrades (Round 3)
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Reimbursement grants of $25,000 to $250,000 for independently owned or cooperative Illinois grocery stores to buy and install energy-efficient refrigeration, HVAC and lighting. A 25% match is required and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Amount
- $25,000 - $250,000
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Match required
Who can apply
This grant opportunity will be limited to existing independently owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 grocery stores.
Quoted from dceo.illinois.gov →GrantNational
Freed Fellowship Grant
Freed Fellowship LLC
Freed Fellowship picks one US small business owner each month for a $500 grant, and Fellows are considered for a $2,500 year-end grant. Applications are rolling and cost $19.
- Amount
- Each month we select one Freed Fellow as the recipient of a $500 no-strings-attached grant. Fellows are then considered for our $2,500 year-end grant.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Contest$19 fee
Who can apply
Any micro or small business owner in the US is eligible. We especially encourage women, minorities and others considered underrepresented or overlooked to apply.
Quoted from the official page.
GrantNational
NASE Growth Grants
National Association for the Self-Employed
NASE gives members grants of up to $4,000 for specific business needs such as marketing, hiring or equipment. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly; NASE membership is required.
- Amount
- Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000!
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Membership required
Who can apply
To be eligible, the applicant must be a member in good standing at the time of application and must maintain such good standing continuously through the date on which the award is conferred.
Quoted from the official page.
AcceleratorNational
Cultivate Small Business
Santander US
Santander's free Cultivate Small Business program gives early-stage food businesses a 12-week curriculum, mentorship and capital grants. Applications for the spring cohort are accepted November through January.
- Amount
- capital grants
- When
- Opens in November
Who can apply
In operation for at least one year; Are working full time in the business and have fewer than 10 total full-time equivalent employees; Revenues between $25,000 and $1,000,000 in the last calendar year; Located in the United States
Quoted from the official page.
LoanIL · statewide
Ascendus Business Term Loan
Ascendus
Ascendus, a nonprofit CDFI lender, offers small business term loans of up to $100,000 to owners who need money to grow their business, available to businesses nationwide except in Vermont.
- Amount
- For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans up to $100,000.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
For small business owners who need money to grow their business, Ascendus offers loans up to $100,000. Qualified businesses will be located nationwide, except in Vermont.
Quoted from the official page.
LoanIL · statewide
Pursuit SBA Microloan
Pursuit (NYBDC Local Development Corporation)
Pursuit, an SBA microloan intermediary and CDFI, makes SBA microloans of up to $50,000 for working capital, debt refinancing and equipment to small businesses (and certain nonprofit childcare centers) in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois and Delaware.
- Amount
- The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
The Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand.
Quoted from the official page.
LoanIL · statewide
DreamSpring Small Business Loan
DreamSpring
DreamSpring, a nonprofit CDFI, makes small business loans of $1,000 to $250,000 (24-72 month terms, fixed rate) to startups and existing businesses in 27 states for equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, supplies, vehicles and working capital.
- Amount
- DreamSpring small business loans range from $1,000 to $250,000 with a term of 24-72 months and a fixed interest rate .
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Whether you’re a startup entrepreneur or existing small business owner, DreamSpring small business loans are designed to fit your business needs.
Quoted from the official page.
LoanIL · statewide
A4CB Term Loans and Lines of Credit
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Allies for Community Business lends $500 to $500,000 in term loans and lines of credit to early, emerging and established businesses in Illinois and Indiana, underwriting on debt history and cash flow rather than credit scores, with free coaching.
- Amount
- Allies for Community Business offers term loans and lines of credit between $500 and $500,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois and Indiana.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
We serve businesses located in Illinois or Indiana, as well as entrepreneurs who live in these states and operate home-based or online businesses.
Quoted from the official page.
LoanIL · statewide
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Term Loan
Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund, a national nonprofit CDFI, offers small business term loans up to $250,000 with repayment terms up to 36 months for businesses with at least 2 years in business and $300,000+ in annual sales.
- Amount
- Loans up to $250k
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Must be at least 18 years or older Minimum 2 years in business $300,000+ in annual sales 20% ownership of business All shareholders must be either a US citizen or permanent resident
Quoted from the official page.
0% loanIL · statewide
Kiva U.S. 0% interest loans
Kiva
Kiva U.S. offers crowdfunded 0% interest loans of $1,000 to $15,000 for U.S. small business owners, with no fees, no collateral and no minimum credit score. Borrowers first invite friends, family and others to lend during a private fundraising period, then crowdfund publicly on Kiva; businesses in Nevada and North Dakota are not accepted.
- Amount
- you can qualify for a no-interest, no-fee, and no-collateral loan between $1,000-$15,000.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Your business must be registered within the United States, and you must physically reside in the United States, in order to be eligible for a Kiva U.S. loan.
Quoted from kiva.org →Technical assistanceIL · statewide
Illinois SBDC Network — no-cost business advising
Illinois SBDC Network
The Illinois SBDC Network provides no-cost, confidential one-on-one advising and training to help Illinois entrepreneurs start and grow small businesses, through local centers statewide.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), working in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), were established in 1984 to assist Illinois entrepreneurs to start and grow their small businesses by providing no-cost confidential one-on-one advising and training.
Quoted from the official page.
Disaster helpNational
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) – $5,000 disaster recovery grant
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees register in advance by completing a free five-minute preparedness checklist; if their county later comes under a state emergency or disaster declaration and they have at least $5,000 in uncovered losses, they can apply for a $5,000 recovery grant. Nonprofits are not funded.
- Amount
- Selected businesses receive $5,000 and must document at least $5,000 in disaster-related losses.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
500 employees or fewer Complete the free checklist (5 minutes) Located in the U.S. or territories (includes Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, etc.)
Quoted from the official page.
Technical assistanceNational
APEX Accelerators — no-cost government contracting help
Department of War Office of Small Business Programs (APEX Accelerators)
APEX Accelerators (the program formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program), supported by the Department of War's Office of Small Business Programs, offer no-cost guidance and one-on-one help for businesses entering or growing in federal, state and local government contracting, through more than 300 offices nationwide. Use the service-area locator to find your local office.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
The APEX Accelerators program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.
Quoted from apexaccelerators.us →Technical assistanceNational
SCORE — free business mentoring
SCORE
SCORE offers free, confidential mentoring, for the life of your business, to any aspiring or established owner of a U.S.-based business, in all industries and stages; nonprofits are also served. Enter your ZIP code on the page to be matched with a mentor.
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Who can apply
SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any aspiring or established owners of a U.S.-based business.
Quoted from the official page.
LoanNational
LiftFund Small Business Loans
LiftFund, Inc.
LiftFund, a nonprofit CDFI, makes small business loans for working capital, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, vehicles and commercial real estate to startups and existing businesses, including owners with limited credit, collateral or experience.
- Amount
- financing options can range from $500 to $1 Million
- When
- Rolling, apply any time
Fee
Who can apply
Whether you have limited credit, collateral or experience, we’ll work with you to find funding that allows you to build your credit and improve your finances. LiftFund offers small business loans to entrepreneurs nationwide.
Quoted from the official page.