How can I get help with my application? | Cook County Small Business Source

General

What is the Cook County Small Business 2023 Source Grant (“The 2023 Source Grant”)?

What is the source of the $40 million for grants?

What organizations are part of the Cook County Small Business Source & 2023 Source Grant?

How much funding is available?

When can I apply for The 2023 Source Grant?

When should grant recipients expect to be notified of their grant award?

Eligibility

How are full time employees defined?

Who is eligible and can apply for The 2023 Source Grant?

How is “small business” being defined?

How is “COVID-impacted” industries being defined?

How is “Hospitality, Food, & Tourism” being defined?

How is “Childcare & Social Assistance” defined?

How is “Arts & Entertainment” defined?

How is “Retail Trade” defined?

How is “Transportation & Warehousing” defined?

How is “Negatively Impacted” being defined?

What types of businesses are ineligible?

What does it mean when it says we are prioritizing businesses in hard hit sectors?

What entities are NOT eligible?

Application Process

How do I apply?

If I submitted a 2022 Grow Grant application do I need to reapply?

What documentation is required for The 2023 Source Grant application?

Will all eligible applicants receive grant dollars?

What does it mean when it says you are prioritizing businesses in suburban Cook County?

How much money is available for businesses owned by veterans?

If I own more than one business, can I apply for a grant for each of them?

What should I do if my business was located in Cook County in 2019 but has moved out of Cook County since then?

What should I do if my business address has changed since 2019?

What if I have not filed my 2022 tax returns?

Can I link my personal bank account?

Can for-profit businesses owned by a non-profit organization apply?

Can I apply without sharing my immigration status?

Post Application Period

If an application is incomplete, will the applicant be given the opportunity to re-submit their application?

Are grant proceeds taxed?

I did not receive a grant, can I find out why?

Why was there an increase in grant funding?

How did Cook County select the grant award recipients?

I have not heard anything about my grant status, who do I contact?

My application was not selected for funding. Is there any chance I may receive a grant as part of the program at a later date?

Will there be a grant program in 2024?

Do I have to pay taxes on the grant award?

When will I receive the money?

How will I receive my award?

What if my mailing address has changed since I submitted my application?

What if my bank account information is no longer valid?

May I provide my new bank routing number and account number to receive the grant electronically?

Why was there an increase in grant funding?

Use Of Grant Funds

How may grant funds be used?

How can I get help with my application?

Created on July 18, 2023

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.

Individuals who would like assistance in completing the application, or need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, will be able to access in-person and virtual support during the application window in locations across the County. Locations where assistance is offered are displayed below. Please refer to the Events section for details.