With a simple goal of supporting women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet in 1998. The foundation awards a $10,000 grant each month and an additional $25,000 grant each December to women entrepreneurs with a compelling story.
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Aurora’s Finish Line Grant program offers gap financing solutions to help commercial businesses and property owners complete essential property rehabilitation and improvement projects, ensuring that our local commercial spaces continue to thrive. Program eligibility for the Finish Line Grant is limited to commercial and, or mixed-use property owners and tenants. Businesses applying for the grant must have fewer than 50 employees. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to the availability of funding.
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2026 BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
Fifteen small businesses will receive a $10,000 grant to take their businesses to the next level. We’re looking for small business owners who demonstrate their commitment to the advancement of women and can share how their business will further grow if they receive funding through the Grant Program. We recognize that access to funding and capital is a challenge that small business owners often face, that’s why BMO is committed to investing in and supporting small businesses across the U.S. and Canada. The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program applicants will be judged on their high-level business growth plans (and any challenges the business may face as it grows), how the business supports the advancement of women and intends to grow the business to further this support, and how the business will use the grant to achieve growth.
This support might include the following:
- Advancing the public health or safety of women or girls
- Producing or offering products and services designed for women or girls
- Promoting education of women or girls, such as mentorship, financial literacy, or skills training
To be eligible for the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, you’ll need to show us your high-level overview of your business growth strategy and how you have supported and plan to further support the advancement of women.
You’ll also need to meet specific eligibility criteria as an applicant and business. Learn more and apply here: Specialty Lending Programs: Zero Barriers to Business – BMO
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Business Affairs and Consumer Protection: BACP ENTREPRENEUR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is a free program for anyone interested in starting or growing a business in Chicago to gain knowledge across various essential business topics. Since the program launched, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have successfully completed the program. All Program graduates, based in Chicagoland, are eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Loan Program with BACP’s partner, CIBC Bank USA
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Business Attraction Prime Sites
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sets forth the requirements of the Business Attraction Prime Sites program. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers grant programs designed to promote and enhance economic development. The intent of this program is to assist companies with large-scale capital investment projects that commit to significant job creation for Illinois residents as they relocate or expand operations within Illinois. Business Attraction Prime Sites grants can encompass a wide range of economic development projects and may include infrastructure and capital equipment purchases that will result in job creation in the state of Illinois.
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Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program
The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability’s (DES) free Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while creating a healthier environment for their employees, customers, and community by offering on-site assessments to reduce pollution. Once an assessment has been completed, eligible businesses will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding. This funding will go towards solutions that save money, reduce impact on the environment and modernize operations. Any business is eligible for the assessment that meets the following requirements: Is in suburban Cook County. Is a dry-cleaning facility, auto body or auto repair shop, metal finisher, metal fabricator or food and beverage manufacturer. To be considered for the grant, businesses must meet the following requirements as well as: Be a small business (500 or less full-time employees). Been financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with proven loss of revenue. Was in operation prior to January 1, 2020.
Cook County has allocated $10 million to launch the BRITE program and subsequent grant opportunities. To receive a BRITE grant, small businesses must complete the interest survey by DES or must have had a similar environmental assessment conducted by a DES partner or third party. Once the assessment is complete, DES staff will inform business owners of any upgrades and efficiencies that can be made to reduce costs and environmental impact. The BRITE program specialist will review all voluntary recommendations and complete the following steps: Consult with the business owner to select which recommendations they would like to complete. Estimate total cost of implementing each recommendation. Walk the business owner through the BRITE grant application process and connect them to other related funding opportunities. The BRITE grant offers funding to businesses enrolled in the BRITE program and businesses that have received similar environmental assessments from 2018 onwards. Grants are offered for each recommendation identified on the final assessment report created by an environmental specialist, limits may apply. Please note that BRITE grants can only be used on items specified in the final assessment report. The grant award amount will vary per recommendation identified in the report under that maximum funding amount. Please review the FAQs provided below for overall details regarding the BRITE program process. For additional support, please email the BRITE team at BRITE@cookcountyil.gov.
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Chicagoland Chamber Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP)
- A skilled workforce is essential to accelerating our economic recovery. Whether you work with one of our training providers, have an existing trainer you like to work with, or conduct internal training using company staff, you may be eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement through this program.
- Reimbursement Eligibility
- Company eligibility: Company must be physically located in the State of Illinois. Trainees must be full-time, Illinois-based employees.
- Training eligibility: Certain restrictions are in place for types of trainings and travel costs related to trainings.
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City of Chicago Workforce Solutions
The City of Chicago provides financial assistance for job training through the Workforce Solutions program managed by the Department of Planning and Development. The program subsidizes training for incumbent workers and new hires for qualified Chicago businesses. Workforce Solutions reimbursement grants are funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and proceeds from the 2025 Housing and Economic Development Bond. Reimbursement grants up to $250,000 may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid. The program is administered by Employment and Employer Services on behalf of the City of Chicago. Citywide applications open beginning June 16, 2025. Businesses are strongly encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving support. Applicants should also maintain flexibility in their training plans, as eligible businesses not selected in the initial round may be placed on a waitlist for future funding opportunities.
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EmpowHer Grants, The Boundless Futures Foundation
Eligible Applicants: Female founders 22 years of age and older with businesses registered and operating in the United States. An applicant’s business must 1) make a clear social impact, 2) be a registered for-profit entity, 3) be earning revenue, and 4) not be more than 3 years old. To be awarded grant funding, applicants self-report a credit score and agree to a third-party background check. Please refer to the Boundless Futures Foundation website for more information. Businesses that are eligible for an EmpowHer Grant address one of the following social issues* through their product or business model: Poverty & Hunger, Sustainability & the Environment, Strong Communities
Applications are open for 4-6 weeks at the start of each quarter. Applications are also reviewed quarterly, and grants are awarded at the end of each quarter. If you do not have enough time to complete an application before it closes, please consider waiting to begin in the next quarter: Q1 January-March, Q2: April-June, Q3 July-September, Q4 October-December
*We define ‘social issues’ as issues that impact society, and we refer to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a useful tool for thinking about social issues. We believe that entrepreneurs have the potential to contribute powerfully to solutions to society’s issues through successful businesses.
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If you’re an Etsy business owner, you may be qualified to apply for relief funding courtesy of a partnership with CERF+, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. The partnership was established in 2017, and both companies continue to provide up to $2,500 in funding through the grant program. To apply, you must have been a registered Etsy business for at least one year and have been affected by a natural disaster. This grant opportunity is rolling.
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Freedom 250 – Small Business Administration – Patriot Pitch Competition
SBA is hosting a nationwide pitch competition that will bring together entrepreneurs from across the country who are building and scaling businesses within their communities.
Selected businesses will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition in Washington, DC, which will culminate in a $1 million prize pool to celebrate the innovation and ambition that has driven American ingenuity for the past 250 years.
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Greater River North Foundation Grant Program
The Greater River North Foundation was created with a clear belief: proven businesses deserve the resources to reach their full potential. Our grant program exists to fuel that growth.
The grant is made possible through the generous support of community donors who believe in strengthening local businesses and advancing the foundation’s initiatives. The 2026 recipient will receive an up to $10,000 cash grant and one year of donated office space from Friedman Properties.
Beyond the financial award and office space, grant recipients gain access to pro bono business services and join a community of business leaders invested in their success.
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Grow Progresando: Rogers Park Business Alliance
Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Training Program
In 10, 2-hour sessions, you’ll learn how to develop your business, write your business plan, set up your business and deepen your knowledge with specialty sessions taught by subject experts. Plus you’ll meet Small Business Loan Representatives at a Capital Access Fair just for the participants in this session.
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Gurnee, IL Small Business Grant
The village of Gurnee, Illinois launched a small business grant program last month. Grants can be used to improve business facilities and each business must provide at least half of the capital (match) for each project. Grants up to $10,000.
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Discover small business grants for every stage of your small business adventure, recommended based on your unique profile and delivered to your inbox weekly. The search for free money doesn’t get any easier!
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The Hey Helen Grant provides $10,000 in non-dilutive funding to US-based, 100% women-owned businesses who generate less than $1M in revenue annually. Grants are provided by Visionaries to fuel growth, operations, marketing, or infrastructure.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and for 2026, application rounds will close April 30, August 30, and December 30.
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High Road Kitchens, Executed by One Fair Wage and City of Chicago
One Fair Wage in partnership with the City of Chicago has launched the High Road Kitchens program, offering grants between $10,000 and $30,000 to Chicago restaurants.
Eligibility
- Restaurant located in Chicago
- Annual revenue of under $3 million
- Experienced financial loss due to COVID-19 totaling 25% of annual revenue
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
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Hivers and Strivers Capital Grant
- This grant opportunity offers capital ranging from $250,000 to $1 million to veteran-owned and veteran-led businesses. As an angel investment group, they support a variety of business projects, excluding those dependent on government contracts. In addition to funding, the program provides strategic guidance, operational expertise, and access to valuable networks to help veteran-led companies grow and succeed.
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Grants are a debt-free source of funding to help you launch and grow your business. At IFundWomen, our members have access to a variety of grants, from our monthly Pay-It-Forward crowdfunding grant to those from corporate partners like Visa, Unilever, Diageo, Vista, adidas, American Express, and more. Our Universal Grant Application Database is where we look first for qualified grant applicants. Here’s how it works: when IFundWomen partners with a brand, we match the partner’s grant criteria to businesses in the database. If you’re a match for one of our sponsored grants, you will be notified.
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Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Grant Opportunities
The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business. IDCEO offers a variety of grant opportunities. Visit their website to learn about IDCEO grants.
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2026 L’Oréal Inclusive Beauty Fund | Hispanic Federation
2026 HF x L’Oréal Inclusive Beauty Grants
L’Oréal’s Inclusive Beauty Fund and Hispanic Federation are partnering to award 6 one-time grants of $25,000 each to expand economic inclusion and empower beauty entrepreneurs across the United States. In addition to one-time funding, L’Oréal is committed to providing grantees with professional mentorship and business development support. Beauty businesses, salon owners, estheticians, barbers, and stylists, from all corners of the nation are invited to apply for the Inclusive Beauty Fund and be part of a transformative movement in the industry. There is no purchase necessary or other cost to enter the Program or win a Grant
The application period begins March 23, 2026, at 9:01 AM EST and ends April 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Limit: One entry per business and one entry per applicant. To be eligible, the business must be located and registered in one of the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; be operational and have been in business for at least three years as of March 2026; and be a business in the beauty and self-care industry, including but not limited to: salons, spas, barber Shops, stylists, makeup artists, nail technicians, lash artists, beauty entrepreneurs, brow specialists, haircare specialists, beauty influencers, beauty schools.
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National Association for the Self-Employed
Apply for a business development grant from the NASE worth up to $4,000! Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 to members just like you through the Growth Grants program by providing small business grants. Grants can be used for marketing, advertising, hiring employees, expanding facilities and other specific business needs.
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Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Disasters are unpredictable — but critical support shouldn’t be. The average small business loses $3,000 every day they remain closed due to a disaster. To help restaurants recover in times of critical need, 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, and provides relief through $10,000 grants. Applicants must meet all of the below criteria to be eligible for this opportunity. Please note: A partnership with DoorDash or Caviar is not required or considered.
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- Be a restaurant located and registered in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
- Be 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 declared a disaster by state, tribal, or federal government.
- Operate a brick-and-mortar location.
- Own a maximum of three locations, and employ fewer than 50 employees per location.
- Have been open for at least six months.
- Have revenues of $3M or less per location in the last 12 months.
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The Catalyst Fund is offering grants to Nonprofits & Social Enterprises to fund ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change. You can be a seasoned social entrepreneur or a first-time changemaker. Eligible candidates for the Catalyst Fund may be individuals, non-profit organizations, or social enterprises.
Deadline: On-going
Grant Award: $15,000
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Santander’s Cultivate Small Business helps early-stage entrepreneurs build and sustain businesses in the food industry, with a focus on historically underserved founders in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. The program is completely free for eligible entrepreneurs and provides a 12 week food-focused curriculum, mentorship, and capital grants.
Cultivate Small Business supports entrepreneurs and businesses that meet the following criteria:
- 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
Our Fall cohort runs from September through November with applications accepted from March through June.
Our Spring cohort runs from March through June with applications accepted from November through January.
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SBA Thrive Emerging Leaders Training Program
Training program for business owners that have annual revenues of at least $250,000 and have been in business at least 3 years and have at least one employee.
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Small Business Improvement Fund, Executed by 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
Application Deadline: Determined by TIF districts – LEARN MORE
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State Farms Sponsoring Partnerships
Need a sponsor for an event? Organizations like State Farm team up with other brands, organizations or causes that align with their goals and vision. Submit a sponsorship proposal and State Farm will respond in 2-3 weeks. Fill out the form linked below if you represent an organization seeking sponsorship. State Farm will only review submissions with complete information. Submissions must be received at least three months prior to the event/activity for consideration. All submissions are final.
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The Awesome Foundation is an ever-growing worldwide community devoted to forwarding the interest of awesome in the universe. Created in the long hot summer days of 2009 in Boston, the Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees” and given up front in cash, check, or gold doubloons.
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Every month, The Freed Fellowship gives one $500 grant to business owner in the US to invest in their existing business. No strings attached. No equity required. Each grant submission is reviewed against a 5C Framework which analyzes five key components that successful businesses need to navigate:
- Context – Why is the market in your favor?
- Content – What’s your compelling core narrative?
- Community – Have you found or created a community?
- Chemistry – Have you found your special sauce?
- Commerce – How do you make money?
Each applicant gets feedback in the form of their overall Freed score and recommendations to grow their business. Applicants also receive a two-month free membership in the virtual community, the Freed Studio. The Studio is a safe and supportive space that brings together ambitious business owners to identify and implement the practices, processes, and systems needed for sustainable growth to help them get to their first (or next) $1 million in revenue. Grant recipients are also eligible to receive an additional end-of-year grant of $2,500.
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Kim Folsom is the CEO of Founder’s First, an organization that supports small business expansion. In honor of Mother’s Day and her own mother, Catherine “Kitty” Abrams Tadlock Webster, Folsom launched The Kitty Grant in 2020. This year, the $25,000 fund will invest $1,000 in 25 mother-led small businesses. Grant money can be used however recipients see fit. Eligibility requirements and the pre-registration form for this grant can be found on the Founder’s First website.
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The Visionaries Pitch Competition is offering $40,000 in non-dilutive funding ($30,000 to the winner and $10,000 to the runner up) for for-profit businesses located in the US generating less than $1M annually and at least 50% woman-owned.
Application Deadline: Applications close June 18, and Pitch Competition finalists will compete live in Los Angeles on September 28.
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Wells Fargo Neighborhood Growth Grants | Administered by Wells Fargo and A4CB
The Wells Fargo Neighborhood Growth Grants program is coming to Bronzeville and beyond, in collaboration with A4CB. Eligible small businesses can apply for $25,000 grants to take their next steps, whether that’s expanding operations, upgrading equipment, or strengthening their foundation.
Eligibility
All selected grantees must:
- Demonstrate at least one year of operation by providing a 2024 or 2025 business tax return
- Be organized as a for-profit business
- Maintain a physical storefront located in one of the following Chicago community areas: Washington Park, Fuller Park, Grand Boulevard, Woodlawn, Douglas, Oakland, or Kenwood. These community areas include several South Side neighborhoods surrounding Bronzeville. You can look up your community area here.
- Report recent annual revenue between $100,000 and $2,000,000
- Be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State
- Maintain a valid business bank account
- Hold a valid state ID
Deadline: Friday, July 10 at 5:00 PM
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