Business Grants and Opportunities
The City of Chicago, non-profit organizations, and private organizations are accepting grant applications from businesses and non-profits. If you are interested in growing your business check out some of the opportunities below and open grant funding.
Opportunities and Resources:
Chicago Department of Planning and Development RFPs
Due by September 14th or October 21st
Check out several RFPs from the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development. These opportunities are focused to developers and construction companies to help develop specific areas throughout the city.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/requests-for-proposals.html
Chicago Housing Authority Vendor Opportunities
Rolling Application
Find out more about how to become a vendor for the Chicago Housing Authority. CHA is looking for a wide range of vendors including caterers, construction, contractors, DJs, vendors in party planning, etc. Learn more through their portal and feel free to reach out to the Chamber’s Business Services Manager.
https://www.thecha.org/residents/workforce-opportunity-resource-center
Comcast Rise
Apply by October 14th
Comcast RISE is a multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to small businesses owned by people of color or women. Selected businesses receive assistance in consulting, media, creative production, technology makeover, and a monetary grant.
https://www.comcastrise.com/rise-apply/
LGBTQ+ Business Boot Camp
Apply by September 9th
The LGBTQ+ Biz Boot Camp was founded by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce – Illinois in 2019 to assist LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with launching and growing sustainable businesses that will positively impact our local communities. The Boot Camp is designed for businesses with at least one year of hands-on experience in operating their business, but all interested applicants are encouraged to apply. Participants must be an out LGBTQ+ individual who is comfortable having their photo, names, and businesses printed in news, social media, etc. Participants will leave the program with a business plan and pitch deck while accessing quality networking through mentorship and guest speakers. All participants who complete the LGBTQ+ Biz Boot Camp will receive Gold Level Membership with the LGBTCC for 2023 and access to a wealth of resources to support you in your continued growth.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLN6hVsrMc99SrmK9y8Ob07_PGNJol9kUNLUvxym5z3I-rGA/viewform
World Business Chicago Vendors
Due by October 1st
World Business Chicago (WBC) is the City of Chicago's economic development organization. WBC is looking to support diverse hospitality and live events businesses harmed during the pandemic through providing business and growth opportunities. Fill out the request for candidates below for vendor opportunities.
http://worldbusinesschicago.com/open-call/
Grant Funds:
Artstour & Live Music Grants
Artstour & Live Music provides support to eligible Illinois not-for-profit organizations seeking to present Illinois performing artists, companies, or groups for performances, collaborations, or short residencies held in conjunction with performances.
https://arts.illinois.gov/grants-programs/ArtstourLiveMusic
Early Childhood Grant Program
Due October 10th
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Capital Development Board is making $100 million available statewide for grants to Public School Districts and non-profit operators of early childhood centers. Funds are available to construct, renovate or otherwise improve facilities.
https://www2.illinois.gov/cdb/professionalgrowth/grants/Pages/ecgp.aspx
Envisioning Justice Funding
Due September 21st
Envisioning Justice grants will support projects that: spark dialogue about the impacts of mass incarceration on Illinois communities; offer public programming with a particular focus on the experiences and points of view of system-impacted individuals and communities; aim to shift the narrative around mass incarceration by connecting the arts and humanities with public policy; and aid in network-building and nurturing partnerships amongst groups and individuals working to envision and actualize a truly just society.
https://www.ilhumanities.org/program/envisioning-justice-grants/
Job Creators Quest Grants.
Due February 4th 2023
A total of $100,000 will be awarded to 30 Chicago Businesses with minority, women, or veteran founders or located in a low to moderate income area. Focus on hiring and expanding businesses. The Founders First Job Creators Quest grants have a easy application and we encourage businesses to apply soon.
https://foundersfirstcdc.org/chicago/
Office of the Treasurer Charitable Trust
Due September 30th
For the Fall 2022 grant cycle, applications will be accepted from July 1 through September 30 in three categories: Food Programs, Housing Programs, and Workforce and Economic Development. Charitable Trust is intended to help small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Grant applicants located in an area where pervasive poverty, unemployment, and economic distress exist will be given special attention.
https://www.illinoistreasurer.gov/Office_of_the_Treasurer/Charitable_Trust
Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program
Due September 23rd 5PM
The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state – including but not limited to museums, state parks, historical sites, events, performances, and festivals. The funds may be utilized for capital projects, equipment, training, transportation, housing, receptions, entertainment, photography, temporary housing, and interpretive programs. The goal of the program is to attract additional visitors and overnight stays that will bring foot traffic to communities across Illinois.
https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/2645-2334.aspx
STARTS Program - Short-term Teaching Artist Residency Program
The STARTS Program provides support of up to $4,500 to eligible Illinois not-for-profit organizations, schools, and school districts for short term residencies focused on hands-on learning experiences conducted by Illinois artists, companies, or ensembles.
https://arts.illinois.gov/starts-program-short-term-teaching-artist-residency-program