Advantage Illinois’ Loan Guarantee Program supports business applicants who are having difficulty gaining access to capital by using funds to guarantee a percentage of loans provided by partner lenders. Advantage Illinois accelerates investments and eases the credit crunch for small businesses, thanks to more than $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Find a list of participating lenders, FAQs and more below.

Apply for reliable and flexible loans ranging from $500 to $100,000, that do not use credit scores and do not put liens on personal assets. Applicants are evaluated based on how well they have managed their debts over the past two years and how much cash they have available to make monthly loan payments. View loan opportunities provided by Allies for Community Business below.

As a preferred SBA (Small Business Administration) lender, BMO can process your government small business loan so you can get back to business. They ensure longer terms and amortizations, no balloon payments, and lower down payments. Explore their variety of SBA loan programs to support your business needs.

C-PACE is an innovative program that enables commercial property owners to obtain 100% long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, water use and electric vehicle charging building improvements.

There is an Equity Capital Gap for Black, low-to-moderate income, and other diverse entrepreneurs. Funded through The PNC Foundation, the Community Micro Equity Fund is a collaboration between Greenwood Archer Capital and Sunshine Enterprises that aims to fill this gap by providing equity to leverage debt or to offer equity when debt is not a viable option.

The program will create an ecosystem of support which will include business education, working capital, credit repair coaching, incubation and access to co-working space, patient mezzanine equity and strategic, ongoing mentoring.

Connect2Capital is an online lending platform that gives small businesses a safe, smart alternative to for-profit online lenders with high interest rates. SDA’s network of mission-driven nonprofit lender partners offer small business loans for working capital and equipment needs from $5,000 to $100,000 and up.

Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC) formerly Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives MicroFinance Group is a non for profit 501c(3) Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) organization founded in 2012 to supply micro and small business loans catalyzing small business development throughout the metropolitan Chicago area and its adjacent suburbs and greater Cook county Illinois. GAC’s suite of products are offered with the intention and purpose to level the playing field for Black and other underserved small businesses.

Hello Alice’s Small Business Financing Marketplace powered by Lendflow, connects you to more than 90+ lenders and other financing companies for loans. By filling out one form, you gain access to fast access funding opportunities, inclusive credit opportunities, and much more.

Kiva is a non-profit that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world. Kiva provides loans of up to $15,000 at 0% interest. Additionally, you have the opportunity to market your product to Kiva’s community of 1.6 million supportive lenders.

Access a comprehensive list of federal, state, and private small business grants and resources for finding more.

Pursuit enters the Illinois small business market through the Advantage Illinois program and the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund, but we also offer SBA 7(a) financing in the state up to $350,000.

The Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community. The SBA 504 Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land, buildings and large equipment.

Chicago Food Enterprise Loans offer patient debt financing, low interest rates, and flexible capital to borrowers, especially entrepreneurs of color.

Has your small business suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Self-Help’s Pivot Loan is intended to help small businesses access the low-interest, flexible capital needed to pivot to better days. Find more information about the Pivot Loan below.