• Small Business Support: Funding Sources

  • Running a Small Business Can be Hard... We Are Here to Help!

    Looking for financial assistance to start or expand your business? The BDC can assist you!

    Keep scrolling to learn about currently available financial resources from grants to loans for small businesses.

    The BDC helps connect businesses with local, state, and federal grants as well as grants offered by trusted partners. Grants are financial programs tailored to specific needs such as payroll, equipment, overhead expenses, etc. If your business is awarded a grant, you receive a predetermined sum of money that does not require repayment.

    Each grant has a unique application process, eligibility criteria, document requirements, and review procedure. Please review the details provided below carefully, and feel free to visit the direct websites for specific programs if you have any questions or require assistance with the application process.

    For inquiries, please contact Paola at paolag@berwyn.net or call 708-749-6582.​


     

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  • Finish Line Grant

    Roosevelt, Depot, or Harlem/Cermak TIF Districts

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  • 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.


     

  • Upcoming Application Deadlines

  • DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief

    Description: “…DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to create the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The fund supports restaurants impacted by natural disasters, severe weather events, or major infrastructure failures…” Open nationwide to “a restaurant, gastropub or bakery with a brick & mortar location that has experienced a loss in revenue as a direct result of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or major infrastructure failure which occurred within the last 12 months”, been opened at least 6 months, “Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location”, and “Have revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months.”

    Award Range: $10,000
    Deadline: Winter Round due March 3, 2025 at 5pm; Spring Round due May 30, 2025 at 5pm  
    Program Guidelines: https://helloalice.com/grants/doordash/


     

  • Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2160-2940) 

    About the Program: 

    Are you a socially or economically disadvantaged business owner or part of a very small business? This is your chance to access funding to grow your business, improve efficiency, and create jobs! 

    The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or very small businesses (VSBs) to support small business capital improvement projects. This program will offer small business grants across the state to help eligible businesses achieve sustainable growth, improve efficiency, and create and retain jobs.  

    Eligibility: 

    • Businesses owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) with up to 25 full-time permanent employees 
    • Very Small Businesses (VSBs) with fewer than 10 employees 

     

    Award Range: $10,000 - $245,000 

    Deadline: April 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM 

    Program Guidelines: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/2160-2940.html 

    Important Note: All applicants must be prequalified (register with sam.gov, GATA, etc.) to apply. 

     

    Watch to Learn More! ¡Mire para obtener más información!

     

     

     

     

     


     

  • National Endowment for the Arts FY 2026 Grant

    Description: “Challenge America supports projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved groups/communities. The program welcomes applications from applicants that are primarily small organizations, first-time applicants to the NEA, and/or returning Challenge America  applicants. Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or  local government; Federally recognized tribal communities or tribes; and applicants that have  not been recommended for funding in any of the three most recent Fiscal Years in the NEA’s Grants for Arts Projects, Our Town, or Research Awards grant programs”

    Award Range: $10,000
    Deadline: April 24, 2025, at 10:59pm   
    Program Guidelines: https://www.arts.gov/news/press-releases/2024/national-endowment-arts-fy-2026-grant-opportunities-now-available


     

  • Vilcek Foundation

    Description: “…invites applications for grants to support nonprofit organizations that work with immigrant artists and communities, and that promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities.” Open nationwide and U.S. territories nonprofits with 501(c)3 status.

    Award Range: $5,000 and $20,000
    Deadline: June 30, 2025
    Program Guidelines: https://vilcek.org/grants/ 

     


     

  • ONGOING GRANT PROGRAMS

  • 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/  


     

  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 

    Description: “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support income eligible households with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 1, 2024, through August 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.” 

    Deadline: August 15, 2025 

    Program Guidelines: HERE


     

  • 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!


     

  • Partner Programs

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  • BYLINE EXPRESS LOANS

    Qualified small businesses can receive rapid approval for working capital and equipment purchases, with loan approval not contingent on collateral1. And, no financials are needed for loans under $150,000.


    As experienced SBA lenders, Byline Bank also offers SBA Express loans for applications that don’t qualify conventionally, through automatic decisioning with one single application.

    LEARN MORE


     

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  • Express Business Loans & Lines of Credit

     

    Up to $250,000 in 24 Hours

    • Our Express Business Loan makes borrowing easy so you can focus on what matters most – your business.
    • No hassles. No headaches. No kidding.
    • This is business banking done right. Right now.

    Not ready to apply online? Want to learn more? republicebank.com/business/business-express-loans/

    Have a Business Banking expert call you back.

    Get Started!