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Business Grants Illinois

Where to find business grants in the local area.

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Illinois Business Grants

Folder for grant applications

One of the most regular questions that we are asked is "what grants are available for new business start-ups?" and the truthful answer is that there are not as many as you would think.

However, as a grant does not need to be paid back, it is well worth spending a little bit of time to find out whether there is anything that you can claim.

As you will discover, the business grants that do exist generally come with certain conditions. These will not be interest rates or repayment schedules but are far more likely to be related to what type of business you are starting, where you are going to be located and whether you are going to create any new jobs.

How to find and apply for a grant

Before you begin searching for grants, clearly define your business's needs. Are you looking to launch a new product, expand operations, conduct research, or foster innovation? Different grants cater to various business aspects, so pinpoint your requirements to narrow down your search.

Starting or expanding a business often requires a substantial financial investment. While traditional methods of funding like loans and personal savings remain popular options, another avenue worth exploring is business grants.

Where to look

Business grants, where available, are funds provided by various organisations, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporations, to support entrepreneurs and businesses but don't forget that they are also designed to help them achieve their own objectives. A list of places to look can be found lower down the page.

How to win a grant
Thoroughly Read the Guidelines:
Each grant will have specific guidelines and eligibility criteria. Carefully read through these requirements and ensure your business qualifies before investing time in the application.
Prepare Required Documents:
Gather all necessary documents before starting the application process. Common requirements include a business plan, financial projections, details of key team members, and a clear description of how the grant will be used.
Craft a Compelling Narrative:
Your application should tell a compelling story about your business and its potential impact. Clearly communicate your business's mission, objectives, and how the grant will add value.
Demonstrate Alignment:
Showcase how your business aligns with the goals and objectives of the grant provider. Highlight the ways in which your venture contributes to economic development, job creation, or innovation.
Financial Clarity:
Provide a transparent and realistic budget detailing how you intend to utilise the grant funds. Demonstrating a clear financial plan increases your credibility and chances of approval.
Attention to Detail:
Pay close attention to formatting, grammar, and presentation. A well-organised and error-free application reflects your professionalism and dedication.
Letters of Support:
Obtain letters of support from industry experts, partners, or customers. These letters can bolster your application by providing third-party validation of your business's potential
Submit Early:
Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. Technical glitches or unforeseen circumstances can arise. Submitting early gives you time to address any issues that might arise.

Applying for business grants is a competitive process, and rejection is a possibility. However, don't be discouraged by setbacks. Use any feedback you receive to improve future applications. Persistence and refinement are key to eventually securing the funding your business needs.

Sources of Help Finding Grants

Free Funding Report

If you need to raise some money for your new or existing business and would like to know what options are open to you (without any obligation), please complete and submit this simple form.

Request our FREE report which explains all of these 'new' funding choices in simple English.

Your information will be treated in the strictest confidence and that we will not sell/share it with anyone else or bombard you with spam.

Illinois Grants

Grants.gov
The official federal grants website where you can search and apply for grants across multiple government agencies. It includes features including: How to apply for Federal funding opportunities, Are you eligible?, Grant writing tops and their Grants Learning Center.
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Government Grants for Small Businesses
A really useful page for anyone looking for a Government grant in the United States. It has been put together by The Chamber of Commerce and covers all of the key considerations: What are small business grants? Are federal small business grants better than small business loans? How can I get a government small business grant? What are the 10 best government grants for small businesses?
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GrantStation
A subscription-based platform that offers a comprehensive database of grant opportunities, along with resources and tools for grant seekers. GrantStation.com, Inc. offers nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies the opportunity to identify potential funding sources for their programs or projects as well as resources to mentor these organizations through the grantseeking process.
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SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) website provides information on various resources, loans, and grants available for small businesses. It also provides limited small business grants and grants to states and eligible community organizations to promote entrepreneurship.
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Economic Development Administration (EDA)
The EDA's website offers information on grants and programs focused on economic development and job creation.
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GrantWatch
Provides a database of grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities from various sources, including government, foundations, and corporations. There are separate sections for: Grants for Nonprofits; Grants for Small Business; Grants for Individuals; Federal Grants; Foundation Grants.
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SBDCNet
The Small Business Development Center National Information Clearinghouse provides market research, business resources, and information on grants and funding opportunities. SBDCNet501 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. San Antonio, Texas 78207. Tel: 1-800-689-1912.
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Candid (Foundation Center)
For a combined 88 years, Foundation Center and GuideStar each helped change the world by giving people the information they needed to do good. Their website also contains a section dedicated to grants for nonprofits and lots more useful information.
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Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Local help for startups

There is plenty of help for startups in Illinois but where can it be found?

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