The Cook County Small Business Source is proud to introduce the Catalyst Grant, an opportunity for up to 88 established businesses in select industries to receive $100,000 to fuel their next stage of growth.
To be eligible, businesses must be located in Cook County and operate in one of the following industries:
Construction
Finance and insurance
Information technology
Manufacturing
Professional services
Real estate
Eligible businesses also must have documented 2023 and 2024 revenue between $500,000 and $10 million, along with demonstrated growth.
Selected recipients must use their funds to address hiring or training employees; upgrading facilities; or expanding operations. The application and full list of eligibility requirements are available here.
Application assistance is available to interested businesses through The Source’s network of 13 Business Support Organizations. A help desk is also available, as well as several helpful online assets including a video explaining the application process, checklists for applicants and more.
Applicants will receive notification of their status in December 2025 and Cook County will distribute funds in spring 2026.
For more information on the Cook County Catalyst Grant, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.
