Through the Catalyst Grant, as many as 88 established and growing businesses in select industries will have the opportunity to advance to their next stage of development. Whether it’s addressing workforce needs, improving operations or upgrading facilities, this $100,000 grant empowers businesses to scale up and invest with confidence.
This is a competitive opportunity for businesses that meet all of the following criteria:
For-profit businesses located in Cook County
Businesses with at least 1 full-time employee, in addition to the owner (in 2024 and at time of application)
Businesses with documented revenue between $500,000 and $10 million (in both 2023 and 2024)
Businesses that operate in one of the following industries:
Construction
Finance and insurance
Information technology (IT)
Manufacturing
Professional services
Real estate
Businesses that can demonstrate evidence of business growth in the following ways:
Increase in net income (profit) from 2023 to 2024
Increase in full-time employee count between 2023 and 2024
If awarded, grant funds may be used only for the following expenses:
Equipment purchases
Facility upgrades
Workforce investments
Required Documentation
To complete this application, you will need to gather the following documents:
Business owner’s valid photo identification (choose one)
Driver’s license, REAL ID, state ID or Chicago CityKey
Passport (U.S. and non-U.S.)
Permanent resident card (green card)
Consular ID
Military ID
Native American tribal photo ID
2023 federal tax return (including required schedules, forms and attachments)
2024 federal tax return (including required schedules, forms and attachments)
IRS form 941 for Q4 2023
IRS form 941 for Q4 2024
State of Illinois proof of good standing (official certificate or screenshot from the Secretary of State’s website)
Please ensure all your documents are ready before you begin the application. Click here to download our document prep checklist to help ensure you have the correct documents before starting the application. As you prepare to apply, click here to download our Getting Started Guide. Once you submit your application, you won’t be able to return to edit or upload additional documentation. To preview the application as a PDF before filling it out, click here.
The 2025 Catalyst Grant, part of the Cook County Small Business Source initiative, offers up to 88 businesses a $100,000 grant to accelerate their next phase of growth. Funds can be used for hiring new talent, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or upgrading facilities.
Who funds and manages the program?
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has $8.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the grants associated with this program. Cook County has contracted with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Allies for Community Business to serve (A4CB) as the program administrators.
How many grants will be awarded?
Up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
Which sectors are eligible?
This program targets key economic sectors that have demonstrated growth and profitability. For this program, eligible businesses must fall into one of the following sectors: Construction, Finance & Insurance, IT/Tech, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Real Estate. A list of NAICS codes associated with the above sectors are listed in the “Industry Definitions” section below.
Which businesses can apply?
Businesses must meet all of the following factors:
Be a for-profit business
Be located in the city of Chicago or suburban Cook County, IL
Have at least one full-time employee in addition to the business owner (in 2024 and at time of application)
Have 2023 and 2024 annual revenue between $500K and $10M
Operate in one of the following industries as outlined under “Industry Definitions”: construction, finance and insurance, IT/Tech, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate
Demonstrate business growth (see next question)
What counts as “evidence of business growth”?
Businesses must demonstrate growth in both net income and employee count from 2023 to 2024. Net income will be verified using your filed 2023 and 2024 federal tax returns, and employee count will be verified using Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.
Are there any restrictions based on business owner demographics?
No. Business owners of all demographics are eligible to apply.
Is there a required business start date to be eligible?
No. Businesses that opened at any time are eligible for the grant.
Who is not eligible?
Nonprofits, non-employer businesses, and the following restricted entities:
Businesses engaged in activities prohibited by federal law or by applicable local law
Businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling, or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs (in any setting)
Government-owned business entities
Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
Cannabis businesses
Nightclubs or strip clubs
Gambling businesses, including sports betting venues and game shops
Employment agencies
Are for-profits owned by nonprofits eligible?
Yes, if the for-profit meets all other eligibility requirements.
How are eligible industries defined?
Only businesses that fall within the specified NAICS codes are eligible. A full list is available here.
How is “Construction” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 23.
How is “Finance and Insurance” defined?
Businesses that operate in the following NAICS codes starting with:
5221: Depository Credit Intermediation
524: Insurance Carriers & Related Activities
How is “IT/Tech” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 51.
How is “Manufacturing” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 31, 32, and 33.
How is “Professional Services” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 54.
How is “Real Estate” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 53.
How will grants be distributed between businesses in the city of Chicago or suburban Cook County?
There is no geographic preference between the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County. All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply.
Does the County have any geographic priorities that will impact the distribution of the grant?
Yes, Cook County aims to distribute approximately 75% of the grants to businesses located in what is called a Community Development Financial Institution Investment (CDFI) Area. A CDFI, as defined by the US Treasury, is a geographic area that meets specific criteria related to poverty, income and unemployment.
Grant administrators will determine whether a business is located in a CDFI Investment Area based on the address provided in its application.
How can I find out if my business is located in a CDFI Investment Area?
The US Department of the Treasury has a CDFI Fund Mapping Tool that anyone can access to determine whether their business is located in such an area.
When is the application period?
The application portal opens September 25, 2025 and closes November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST.
What is the grant selection and fund disbursement timeline?
Selection: November 2025 – February 2026
Notifications: March 2026
Funds disbursed: April 2026
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via Smartsheet through the “Apply Now” button on the Catalyst Grant webpage.
What documents do I need?
The following documents are required for the application:
A valid form of photo identification (must be current and government-issued): examples include a driver’s license, REAL ID, State ID, Chicago CityKey, U.S. or non-U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), consular ID, military ID, or Native American tribal photo ID
Filed 2023 and 2024 Federal Tax Return for your business, including required schedules, forms, and attachments
Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024
Illinois Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing
How can I check if my business is in Good Standing?
You can verify your business status through the Illinois Secretary of State’s online Business Services Search tool.
If your business is in good standing: Print the results page or take a screenshot to upload with your application.
If your business is not in good standing: You’ll need to resolve any outstanding issues (such as unpaid fees or missing annual reports) with the Secretary of State before you can provide proof of good standing.
Can I edit or resubmit my application?
No. Applications cannot be saved or edited after submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We encourage you to gather the information and documents required to apply before submitting your application. A PDF version of the application is linked here for you to review in advance.
Can I apply for multiple businesses?
Yes, but only one grant will be awarded per business owner.
Will there be an advantage to applying early?
No. Grant administrators will not begin to review applications until the application portal is closed. Applications received after November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST will not be reviewed.
How can grant funds be used?
Funds must be invested in equipment, people, and/or facilities directly related to business growth. The full list of eligible uses is provided below:
EQUIPMENT
Office & Administrative Equipment
Computers, laptops, and servers
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Telecommunications equipment (phones, VoIP systems)
Furniture (desks, chairs, filing cabinets)
Production and Construction Equipment
Machinery and tools (for manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication)
Vehicles (delivery trucks, forklifts, company cars)
Heavy equipment (excavators, cranes, bulldozers)
Raw material handling equipment (conveyors, loaders)
Storage and warehousing equipment (shelves, racks)
IT & Technology Infrastructure
Software and licensing (ERP, CRM, productivity tools)
Networking hardware (routers, modems, servers)
Data security systems (firewalls, cybersecurity tools)
Can grant funds be used to reimburse expenses already incurred?
No. Grant funds may only be used for expenses incurred after the grant has been disbursed.
Can grant funds be used to improve my facility if I don’t own the building?
Yes. Before receiving the grant, you will be asked to provide two documents:
A copy of your lease with an expiration date of no earlier than one year from the date of your grant application
A signed letter from the owner of your building in which the owner acknowledges that you will be using County funds to improve the facility
When do grant funds need to be used by?
All grant funds must be spent within 18 months of receiving the award.
Are grants taxable?
Yes. Recipients of a grant award will receive tax information related to their grant proceeds, which will need to be reported on their tax returns. Please consult with a tax professional for additional information.
What reporting to Cook County will be required after receipt of grant funds?
Recipients must:
Sign a grant agreement with Cook County to receive grant funds
Participate in impact evaluation surveys
Provide documentation to substantiate the use of the grant funds
Submit 2025 and 2026 tax returns
How can I get help with my application?
Application support will be provided via The Source’s Business Support Organization network. Applicants will be offered free, 1-on-1 expert business advising services via the Source. Sign up here or refer to the Events section here for details on additional support opportunities here.
Where can I find the list of BSOs and Referral Partners?
Please find a list of The Source’s partners and the services they provide on The Source website linked here. Business Support Organizations (BSOs) provide free -no-cost business advising and Referral Partners provide marketing and outreach outreach services. A full list of partners can be found below.
Business Support Organizations
36Squared Business Incubator
Allies for Community Business
Berwyn Development Corporation
Builders Avenue
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Chicago Urban League
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Restaurant Association
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Southland Development Authority
Women’s Business Development Center
Referral Partners
Alsip Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Arab American Business Association
Asian American Chamber of Illinois
Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Calumet Area Industrial Commission
Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises
Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
Elevate
Evanston Chamber of Commerce
Fempreneur Poder Hub
Glenview Chamber of Commerce
Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
HACIA
Hire360
Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Little Village Chamber of Commerce
Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Northbrook Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Oak Park & River Forest Chamber of Commerce
Polish American Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Pulaski Elston Business Association
Pursuit
Schaumburg Business Association
SomerCor
South East Chicago Commission
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Collective
Sunshine Enterprises
The Joseph Center
Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative
Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce
Will all eligible applicants receive grant dollars?
No. We anticipate that demand will exceed the available funding. In total up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
How can small businesses provide feedback on the grant program?
Applicants will be able to share feedback on their application experience by answering a few optional questions at the end of the application. These questions are entirely voluntary and will not impact eligibility or the outcome of the 2025 Catalyst Grant application.
What is the Catalyst Grant?
The 2025 Catalyst Grant, part of the Cook County Small Business Source initiative, offers up to 88 businesses a $100,000 grant to accelerate their next phase of growth. Funds can be used for hiring new talent, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or upgrading facilities.
Who funds and manages the program?
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has $8.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the grants associated with this program. Cook County has contracted with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Allies for Community Business to serve (A4CB) as the program administrators.
How many grants will be awarded?
Up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
The 2025 Catalyst Grant, part of the Cook County Small Business Source initiative, offers up to 88 businesses a $100,000 grant to accelerate their next phase of growth. Funds can be used for hiring new talent, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or upgrading facilities.
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has $8.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the grants associated with this program. Cook County has contracted with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Allies for Community Business to serve (A4CB) as the program administrators.
Up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
Which sectors are eligible?
This program targets key economic sectors that have demonstrated growth and profitability. For this program, eligible businesses must fall into one of the following sectors: Construction, Finance & Insurance, IT/Tech, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Real Estate. A list of NAICS codes associated with the above sectors are listed in the “Industry Definitions” section below.
Which businesses can apply?
Businesses must meet all of the following factors:
Be a for-profit business
Be located in the city of Chicago or suburban Cook County, IL
Have at least one full-time employee in addition to the business owner (in 2024 and at time of application)
Have 2023 and 2024 annual revenue between $500K and $10M
Operate in one of the following industries as outlined under “Industry Definitions”: construction, finance and insurance, IT/Tech, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate
Demonstrate business growth (see next question)
What counts as “evidence of business growth”?
Businesses must demonstrate growth in both net income and employee count from 2023 to 2024. Net income will be verified using your filed 2023 and 2024 federal tax returns, and employee count will be verified using Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.
Are there any restrictions based on business owner demographics?
No. Business owners of all demographics are eligible to apply.
Is there a required business start date to be eligible?
No. Businesses that opened at any time are eligible for the grant.
Who is not eligible?
Nonprofits, non-employer businesses, and the following restricted entities:
Businesses engaged in activities prohibited by federal law or by applicable local law
Businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling, or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs (in any setting)
Government-owned business entities
Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
Cannabis businesses
Nightclubs or strip clubs
Gambling businesses, including sports betting venues and game shops
Employment agencies
Are for-profits owned by nonprofits eligible?
Yes, if the for-profit meets all other eligibility requirements.
This program targets key economic sectors that have demonstrated growth and profitability. For this program, eligible businesses must fall into one of the following sectors: Construction, Finance & Insurance, IT/Tech, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Real Estate. A list of NAICS codes associated with the above sectors are listed in the “Industry Definitions” section below.
Businesses must meet all of the following factors:
Be a for-profit business
Be located in the city of Chicago or suburban Cook County, IL
Have at least one full-time employee in addition to the business owner (in 2024 and at time of application)
Have 2023 and 2024 annual revenue between $500K and $10M
Operate in one of the following industries as outlined under “Industry Definitions”: construction, finance and insurance, IT/Tech, manufacturing, professional services, and real estate
Demonstrate business growth (see next question)
Businesses must demonstrate growth in both net income and employee count from 2023 to 2024. Net income will be verified using your filed 2023 and 2024 federal tax returns, and employee count will be verified using Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.
No. Business owners of all demographics are eligible to apply.
No. Businesses that opened at any time are eligible for the grant.
Nonprofits, non-employer businesses, and the following restricted entities:
Businesses engaged in activities prohibited by federal law or by applicable local law
Businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling, or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs (in any setting)
Government-owned business entities
Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
Cannabis businesses
Nightclubs or strip clubs
Gambling businesses, including sports betting venues and game shops
Employment agencies
Yes, if the for-profit meets all other eligibility requirements.
How are eligible industries defined?
Only businesses that fall within the specified NAICS codes are eligible. A full list is available here.
How is “Construction” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 23.
How is “Finance and Insurance” defined?
Businesses that operate in the following NAICS codes starting with:
5221: Depository Credit Intermediation
524: Insurance Carriers & Related Activities
How is “IT/Tech” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 51.
How is “Manufacturing” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 31, 32, and 33.
How is “Professional Services” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 54.
How is “Real Estate” defined?
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 53.
Only businesses that fall within the specified NAICS codes are eligible. A full list is available here.
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 23.
Businesses that operate in the following NAICS codes starting with:
5221: Depository Credit Intermediation
524: Insurance Carriers & Related Activities
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 51.
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 31, 32, and 33.
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 54.
Businesses that operate in NAICS codes starting with 53.
How will grants be distributed between businesses in the city of Chicago or suburban Cook County?
There is no geographic preference between the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County. All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply.
Does the County have any geographic priorities that will impact the distribution of the grant?
Yes, Cook County aims to distribute approximately 75% of the grants to businesses located in what is called a Community Development Financial Institution Investment (CDFI) Area. A CDFI, as defined by the US Treasury, is a geographic area that meets specific criteria related to poverty, income and unemployment.
Grant administrators will determine whether a business is located in a CDFI Investment Area based on the address provided in its application.
How can I find out if my business is located in a CDFI Investment Area?
The US Department of the Treasury has a CDFI Fund Mapping Tool that anyone can access to determine whether their business is located in such an area.
There is no geographic preference between the City of Chicago and suburban Cook County. All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply.
Yes, Cook County aims to distribute approximately 75% of the grants to businesses located in what is called a Community Development Financial Institution Investment (CDFI) Area. A CDFI, as defined by the US Treasury, is a geographic area that meets specific criteria related to poverty, income and unemployment.
Grant administrators will determine whether a business is located in a CDFI Investment Area based on the address provided in its application.
The US Department of the Treasury has a CDFI Fund Mapping Tool that anyone can access to determine whether their business is located in such an area.
When is the application period?
The application portal opens September 25, 2025 and closes November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST.
What is the grant selection and fund disbursement timeline?
Selection: November 2025 – February 2026
Notifications: March 2026
Funds disbursed: April 2026
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted via Smartsheet through the “Apply Now” button on the Catalyst Grant webpage.
What documents do I need?
The following documents are required for the application:
A valid form of photo identification (must be current and government-issued): examples include a driver’s license, REAL ID, State ID, Chicago CityKey, U.S. or non-U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), consular ID, military ID, or Native American tribal photo ID
Filed 2023 and 2024 Federal Tax Return for your business, including required schedules, forms, and attachments
Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024
Illinois Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing
How can I check if my business is in Good Standing?
You can verify your business status through the Illinois Secretary of State’s online Business Services Search tool.
If your business is in good standing: Print the results page or take a screenshot to upload with your application.
If your business is not in good standing: You’ll need to resolve any outstanding issues (such as unpaid fees or missing annual reports) with the Secretary of State before you can provide proof of good standing.
Can I edit or resubmit my application?
No. Applications cannot be saved or edited after submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We encourage you to gather the information and documents required to apply before submitting your application. A PDF version of the application is linked here for you to review in advance.
Can I apply for multiple businesses?
Yes, but only one grant will be awarded per business owner.
Will there be an advantage to applying early?
No. Grant administrators will not begin to review applications until the application portal is closed. Applications received after November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST will not be reviewed.
The application portal opens September 25, 2025 and closes November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST.
Selection: November 2025 – February 2026
Notifications: March 2026
Funds disbursed: April 2026
Applications are submitted via Smartsheet through the “Apply Now” button on the Catalyst Grant webpage.
The following documents are required for the application:
A valid form of photo identification (must be current and government-issued): examples include a driver’s license, REAL ID, State ID, Chicago CityKey, U.S. or non-U.S. passport, permanent resident card (green card), consular ID, military ID, or Native American tribal photo ID
Filed 2023 and 2024 Federal Tax Return for your business, including required schedules, forms, and attachments
Form 941 for Q4 2023 and Q4 2024
Illinois Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing
You can verify your business status through the Illinois Secretary of State’s online Business Services Search tool.
If your business is in good standing: Print the results page or take a screenshot to upload with your application.
If your business is not in good standing: You’ll need to resolve any outstanding issues (such as unpaid fees or missing annual reports) with the Secretary of State before you can provide proof of good standing.
No. Applications cannot be saved or edited after submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. We encourage you to gather the information and documents required to apply before submitting your application. A PDF version of the application is linked here for you to review in advance.
Yes, but only one grant will be awarded per business owner.
No. Grant administrators will not begin to review applications until the application portal is closed. Applications received after November 14, 2025 at 5:00pm CST will not be reviewed.
How can grant funds be used?
Funds must be invested in equipment, people, and/or facilities directly related to business growth. The full list of eligible uses is provided below:
EQUIPMENT
Office & Administrative Equipment
Computers, laptops, and servers
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Telecommunications equipment (phones, VoIP systems)
Furniture (desks, chairs, filing cabinets)
Production and Construction Equipment
Machinery and tools (for manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication)
Vehicles (delivery trucks, forklifts, company cars)
Heavy equipment (excavators, cranes, bulldozers)
Raw material handling equipment (conveyors, loaders)
Storage and warehousing equipment (shelves, racks)
IT & Technology Infrastructure
Software and licensing (ERP, CRM, productivity tools)
Networking hardware (routers, modems, servers)
Data security systems (firewalls, cybersecurity tools)
Can grant funds be used to reimburse expenses already incurred?
No. Grant funds may only be used for expenses incurred after the grant has been disbursed.
Can grant funds be used to improve my facility if I don’t own the building?
Yes. Before receiving the grant, you will be asked to provide two documents:
A copy of your lease with an expiration date of no earlier than one year from the date of your grant application
A signed letter from the owner of your building in which the owner acknowledges that you will be using County funds to improve the facility
When do grant funds need to be used by?
All grant funds must be spent within 18 months of receiving the award.
Are grants taxable?
Yes. Recipients of a grant award will receive tax information related to their grant proceeds, which will need to be reported on their tax returns. Please consult with a tax professional for additional information.
What reporting to Cook County will be required after receipt of grant funds?
Recipients must:
Sign a grant agreement with Cook County to receive grant funds
Participate in impact evaluation surveys
Provide documentation to substantiate the use of the grant funds
Submit 2025 and 2026 tax returns
Funds must be invested in equipment, people, and/or facilities directly related to business growth. The full list of eligible uses is provided below:
EQUIPMENT
Office & Administrative Equipment
Computers, laptops, and servers
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Telecommunications equipment (phones, VoIP systems)
Furniture (desks, chairs, filing cabinets)
Production and Construction Equipment
Machinery and tools (for manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication)
Vehicles (delivery trucks, forklifts, company cars)
Heavy equipment (excavators, cranes, bulldozers)
Raw material handling equipment (conveyors, loaders)
Storage and warehousing equipment (shelves, racks)
IT & Technology Infrastructure
Software and licensing (ERP, CRM, productivity tools)
Networking hardware (routers, modems, servers)
Data security systems (firewalls, cybersecurity tools)
No. Grant funds may only be used for expenses incurred after the grant has been disbursed.
Yes. Before receiving the grant, you will be asked to provide two documents:
A copy of your lease with an expiration date of no earlier than one year from the date of your grant application
A signed letter from the owner of your building in which the owner acknowledges that you will be using County funds to improve the facility
All grant funds must be spent within 18 months of receiving the award.
Yes. Recipients of a grant award will receive tax information related to their grant proceeds, which will need to be reported on their tax returns. Please consult with a tax professional for additional information.
Recipients must:
Sign a grant agreement with Cook County to receive grant funds
Participate in impact evaluation surveys
Provide documentation to substantiate the use of the grant funds
Submit 2025 and 2026 tax returns
How can I get help with my application?
Application support will be provided via The Source’s Business Support Organization network. Applicants will be offered free, 1-on-1 expert business advising services via the Source. Sign up here or refer to the Events section here for details on additional support opportunities here.
Where can I find the list of BSOs and Referral Partners?
Please find a list of The Source’s partners and the services they provide on The Source website linked here. Business Support Organizations (BSOs) provide free -no-cost business advising and Referral Partners provide marketing and outreach outreach services. A full list of partners can be found below.
Business Support Organizations
36Squared Business Incubator
Allies for Community Business
Berwyn Development Corporation
Builders Avenue
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Chicago Urban League
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Restaurant Association
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Southland Development Authority
Women’s Business Development Center
Referral Partners
Alsip Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Arab American Business Association
Asian American Chamber of Illinois
Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Calumet Area Industrial Commission
Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises
Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
Elevate
Evanston Chamber of Commerce
Fempreneur Poder Hub
Glenview Chamber of Commerce
Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
HACIA
Hire360
Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Little Village Chamber of Commerce
Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Northbrook Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Oak Park & River Forest Chamber of Commerce
Polish American Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Pulaski Elston Business Association
Pursuit
Schaumburg Business Association
SomerCor
South East Chicago Commission
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Collective
Sunshine Enterprises
The Joseph Center
Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative
Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce
Application support will be provided via The Source’s Business Support Organization network. Applicants will be offered free, 1-on-1 expert business advising services via the Source. Sign up here or refer to the Events section here for details on additional support opportunities here.
Please find a list of The Source’s partners and the services they provide on The Source website linked here. Business Support Organizations (BSOs) provide free -no-cost business advising and Referral Partners provide marketing and outreach outreach services. A full list of partners can be found below.
Business Support Organizations
36Squared Business Incubator
Allies for Community Business
Berwyn Development Corporation
Builders Avenue
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Chicago Urban League
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Restaurant Association
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Southland Development Authority
Women’s Business Development Center
Referral Partners
Alsip Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
Arab American Business Association
Asian American Chamber of Illinois
Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Calumet Area Industrial Commission
Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises
Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce
Elevate
Evanston Chamber of Commerce
Fempreneur Poder Hub
Glenview Chamber of Commerce
Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce
HACIA
Hire360
Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Little Village Chamber of Commerce
Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Northbrook Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Oak Park & River Forest Chamber of Commerce
Polish American Chamber of Commerce
Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Pulaski Elston Business Association
Pursuit
Schaumburg Business Association
SomerCor
South East Chicago Commission
South Shore Chamber of Commerce
Southwest Collective
Sunshine Enterprises
The Joseph Center
Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative
Winnetka-Northfield-Glencoe Chamber of Commerce
Will all eligible applicants receive grant dollars?
No. We anticipate that demand will exceed the available funding. In total up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
How can small businesses provide feedback on the grant program?
Applicants will be able to share feedback on their application experience by answering a few optional questions at the end of the application. These questions are entirely voluntary and will not impact eligibility or the outcome of the 2025 Catalyst Grant application.
No. We anticipate that demand will exceed the available funding. In total up to 88 grants of $100,000 each will be awarded.
Applicants will be able to share feedback on their application experience by answering a few optional questions at the end of the application. These questions are entirely voluntary and will not impact eligibility or the outcome of the 2025 Catalyst Grant application.
Need Help?
Have questions about the Catalyst Grant, the application process or your eligibility?
The Source offers no-cost business advising that can support your unique business needs and provide one-on-one application assistance. Business advising is provided through The Source’s Business Support Organization network. Learn more at our business advising page here.
