Looking to replace your awning or renovate your building? You may be eligible for the BDC’s Finish Line Grant. This grant program assists businesses and property owners with interior and exterior renovation costs, such as awnings, façade improvements, rodent abatement, and buildouts.

If your business or commercial property is located within one of Berwyn’s active TIF Districts, you may be eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement on your renovation expenses. 

Funding will be calculated as a percentage of the total project cost and will be committed to businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000.00.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be located in the Roosevelt, Depot, or Harlem/Cermak TIF Districts.
• Submit a completed application BEFORE the renovation project starts.

2025 APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 12, 2025.

Learn more here.

Illinois Grocery Initiative - Equipment Upgrade Program (Round 2)

Description: Grants are available for new energy-efficient equipment upgrades for independently owned grocery stores, cooperatives, or not-for-profit grocery stores in Illinois.

Eligibility Highlights:

• Independently owned grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than 4 locations.
• Stores must sell fresh foods (meats, fruits, vegetables) and accept SNAP/WIC benefits.
• Revenue from alcohol and tobacco must not exceed 30%.

Award Range: $25,000 and $250,000
Deadline: December 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted (rolling applications).
Program Guidelines: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3295-2956.html 

Watch an informational Video Here! 

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented

Description: “The Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Program gives the opportunity for small to mid-sized manufacturers in Cook County to receive fully funded projects in areas they want to focus on.”  “Manufacturing establishments with less than 500 employees in Cook County are eligible.”

Award Range: Up to $25,000
Program Guidelines: https://www.ccmfg.org/

Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program 

Description: Open to certified minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses (certified by national or state organizations) in the following states California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The annual revenue of the business should be between $250,000 to $10 million.  

Award Range: $5,000 

Program Guidelines: https://foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com/small-certified-supplier-innovative-finance-program/  

Free Lead Service Line Replacement

The LeadCare Cook County program is replacing existing lead lines at childcare facilities across Cook County. This initiative ensures safe drinking water for your childcare center. 

For more information and to find out if you are eligible to enroll in this FREE replacement program, visit: leadcareillinois.org/cookcounty/.

BRITE Grants now available!

Examples of projects the BRITE Grant covers include:

• Upgrading equipment to newer models to eliminate toxics
• Helping pay for waste reduction trainings 
• Purchasing and installing equipment that conserves energy and water 

Details: www.cookcountyil.gov/BRITE

IL INNOVATION VOUCHERS PROGRAM

The IL Innovation Vouchers Program will provide grants for companies to engage in research projects in partnership with an Illinois institute of higher education. This will facilitate the sharing of technologies, knowledge, facilities, and equipment, and ultimately lead to the production of more Illinois-based goods and services and spur economic growth in the state. 

LEARN MORE!