B2B Grant, Marketing Resources and More

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Back to Business (B2B) grant application portal is now open through May 10!

Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of the State of Illinois’ efforts to support ongoing recovery in industries hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information including Eligibility Guidelines and FAQs visit our Programs page.

Click here to view B2B Grant information in multiple languages.

Do you need help with the B2B Grant application? Click here to sign-up for application assistance.

LEARN MORE!

The Cook County serves as a Hub for the DCEO Back2Business (B2B) program and coordinates a network of 10 “Spokes”, partner organizations, to host events and provide direct support to businesses interested in the B2B program.

Upcoming B2B Grant Events

Marketing Events and Resources

Grow your customer base with a professional looking website and a social media strategy with two upcoming events (details below) hosted by our BSO partners; Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Allies for Community Business.

On April 18 Allies for Community Business, in partnership with The Source, is hosting a Social Media Strategy event to help you perfect your business' social media strategy. Social media platforms can be used to build your company’s brand, reach new customers, sell your products and achieve your business objectives. This event will review strategies for reaching the right audience, creating content, and maximizing ROI. Register here.

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Creating a Professional Website event on April 18. The founder of Launch35, Fernando Velasquez, will guide you through the process of creating a professional website for your small business. In this event you will learn valuable tools to strengthen your website through topics including website design, branding design, and SEO tools. Register here.

Grant and Loan Opportunities

For those of you who may not be eligible for B2B grants and are in need of capital, many of our Business Support Organizations can assist you in accessing specific loan programs for small businesses.

Southland Development Authority Connect 2 Capital

The Southland Development Authority offers Connect2Capital, an online lending platform to give 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. Click here to learn more.

Women’s Business Development Center Direct Lending Program

Capital can be challenging if your business is too new (less than two years), or your loan amount is too small (less than $50,000). The WBDC provides loans to small business owners who cannot get a loan from a bank. Loans are available to small businesses in Northeast Illinois with less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue.

Click here to learn more.

Website: cookcountysmallbiz.org

Email: info@cookcountysmallbiz.org