Jewish Free Loan Chicago provides zero-interest personal and small business loans to Chicago-area residents, helping individuals access capital without fees or predatory lending.
Chicago
The Hey Helen Grant awards $10,000 to U.S. women founders growing mission-driven businesses. Funds can support operations, marketing, hiring, growth, or infrastructure.
Apply by April 30, 2026
National
The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants award $100,000 to researchers, builders, and creatives to turn bold ideas into reality—100% ownership, no equity, committees, or thesis. One-year program.
Apply by April 30, 2026.
National
FoodLab Chicago 7.0 is a free program for Black and Brown food entrepreneurs in Chicago (12–18+ months in business). It offers weekly training in finance, marketing, and operations. Limited seats—apply early.
Apply by April 17, 2026
Chicago
The National Foster Care Innovation Challenge offers $800,000 for nonprofits and social enterprises advancing foster care solutions. Nonprofits compete for $700,000 in grants; one for-profit receives a $100,000 investment.
Apply by April 17, 2026.
National
Growth Corp is a nonprofit SBA 504 lender that helps small businesses access long-term fixed-rate financing for commercial real estate and equipment to support growth and job creation.
National
Grants.gov makes it easier for nonprofits and government partners to find and apply for federal grants by centralizing opportunities and streamlining the application process.
National
Nicole Cater had always dreamed of owning a coffee shop. From her early days as a barista to studying entrepreneurship at DePaul, the vision never left her. Life took her through corporate roles and motherhood, but the dream lingered, until she discovered the franchising opportunity with BIGGBY COFFEE. Its values…
Allison Randal has always believed in the power of economic opportunity. With a background in tech and publishing, she understood the uncertainty of those industries and wanted to build something more stable, something that could create pathways for others. When she discovered the chance to open PVolve franchises, it wasn’t just about fitness; it…
Soul & Smoke is a Chicago-based, women-owned restaurant founded by Heather Bublick and her husband, D’Andre Carter, who serves as the executive chef. More than just incredible BBQ and soul food, Soul & Smoke is a celebration of family, culture, and a shared love for flavorful meals. Heather and D’Andre’s journey began with a vision…
Dr. Kimberly Eide didn’t take the traditional path to medicine – or to business ownership. After earning a business degree and working in pharmaceutical sales, she felt a deeper calling: medicine. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, she returned to school at night while raising a family, determined to care for others…
Equity financing can be a powerful tool for growing business, but it's not always the right fit. So when does it make sense? Listen to Kirsten Olsen, Managing Director, Head of PWM Private Capital talk about considerations for when equity financing makes sense for your business.
A searchable directory to find your local chamber of commerce by state, city, or territory, helping businesses connect with their nearest chamber.
National
CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers small business owners actionable advice, expert content, tools, and resources to help start, run, and grow successful companies.
National
Venturize offers flexible loan options and capital solutions to help small businesses grow, expand operations, and strengthen financial footing with accessible funding support.
National
Allies for Community Business offers flexible loans from $500 to $500,000 for small businesses in Illinois and Indiana, including term loans, lines of credit, and revenue-based financing paired with coaching.
Illinois, Indiana
Whether you’re starting your own healthcare practice or simply seeking a banking partner that shares your sense of purpose, we’re here to support you with thoughtful, personalized financial solutions designed around your goals.
National
Somercor provides loans, grants, and advisory support to help small businesses and nonprofits grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Illinois and the Midwest.
Illinois
Jasper Photography LLC owner Sam Wilson relaunched her luxury-photography business with support from Allies for Community Business, SCORE, IL SBDC and WBDC — using funding and resources to upgrade equipment, expand services, and strengthen her impact as a Black woman entrepreneur in Chicago. Check Out the Story Here…
Allison Jordan turned personal healing into purpose. With Allies for Community Business support — including a line of credit — she relaunched The Brain Truth podcast, upgraded equipment and staffing, and built a mental-health business that helps others heal and thrive. Read More Here…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready empowered one coffee entrepreneur with a $10K grant and financial mastery courses—he hired a CPA, upgraded branding and scaled his business nationwide. Learn More Here.
Securing a small business grant can be a game-changer, but competition is fierce. A strong application doesn’t just happen, it requires strategy, clarity, and attention to detail. Here’s how to make your proposal stand out and increase your chances of winning funding. Start with the Basics Before you begin writing,…
Are you winging it with grant applications? Or do you juggle grant writing across multiple team members – but have no clear owner driving the work?
A strong moves management approach transforms fundraising by streamlining development efforts, aligning strategies, and maximizing staff time. It centralizes relationship-building activities to elevate long-term, transformational impact over short-term, transactional giving. Moves management focuses on planning, recording, and reporting key moments in donor relationships to deepen engagement and strengthen philanthropic…
Hear from Kirsten Olsen, Managing Director and Head of PWM Private Capital, as she explores the critical trade-offs between taking on debt versus raising equity. In her discussion, Kirsten highlights how each approach impacts ownership structure, financial flexibility, and long-term growth.
Business Money IQ on First Women’s Bank’s Resource Center offers practical financial education, including video demos and advice to boost your business acumen and confidence.
National
Money IQ is FWB’s financial literacy hub — offering interactive tools, articles, and resources to help you build your financial knowledge, confidence, and money management skills.
National
The TransUnion Blog delivers timely articles on credit, identity protection, debt-management and personal finance — empowering readers to take control of their financial lives.
National
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Illinois
Illinois
The Polsky Small Business Financial Fundamentals program helps Chicago businesses access capital through financial training, analysis, mentorship, and a funding-ready financial report.
Chicago, Illinois
The Fundamentals of Capital masterclass helps women entrepreneurs understand capital structures, funding options, and investor pitching to scale their businesses.
National
Mona Ventures is a platform connecting U.S. small businesses to affordable loans and grants, offering personalized support and coaching throughout the application process.
National
The Mission Sustainability Initiative (MSI) at Forefront supports Illinois-based nonprofits in exploring strategic partnerships through confidential consultations, educational resources, and $5,000 grants for partnership readiness.
Illinois
First Women's Bank offers business checking, lending, treasury management, and digital banking, empowering businesses with equitable access to capital and financial tools.
National
First Women's Bank provides commercial loans for equipment, inventory, vehicles, and real estate, supporting equitable access to capital and growth.
National
First Women's Bank offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans to support women entrepreneurs in acquiring or expanding businesses, such as purchasing commercial real estate.
National
The WE Hub Money Finder helps Illinois women entrepreneurs find grants, loans, and funding opportunities tailored to their business needs.
Illinois
SBA-approved microlenders offering loans up and technical support for small businesses. Search by state or download the full list on the SBA website.
For more information, visit SBA.gov
National
SBA financial guide: track assets and liabilities, analyze costs, keep accurate records, and use resources to make informed decisions and grow your small business.
For more information, visit SBA.gov
National
BCF Capital offers business loans from $25K–$350K (up to $1M for existing clients) and lines of credit $100K–$350K with flexible terms and fast online approval.
National
Business Consortium Fund’s offers free webinars, workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help business owners prepare financing, understand key ratios, manage cash flow, and navigate supplier programs.
National
In Fast Company, First Women’s Bank CEO Marianne Markowitz shares how the women-founded, women-led bank was built to close the gender lending gap and advance the women’s economy.
Capital is a critical resource ... For more than 30 years, we’ve specialized in flexible lending products and creative real estate solutions that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities.
For more information, visit IFF.org
National
OFN’s free CDFI Locator helps you find community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the U.S. that provide mission-driven financing for small businesses, nonprofits, and community projects.
For more information, visit OFN.org
National
Greenwood Archer Capital provides $10K–$500K loans to small businesses in historically disinvested communities, offering flexible capital to support growth, stability, and long-term success.
Illinois
Comcast RISE is supporting the growth of all small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive with a focus on economic growth.
TechRise Resources offers guides, templates, and tools to help founders build, launch, and grow tech businesses with practical advice and actionable insights.
Illinois
WBDC’s Direct Lending Program offers loans to women- and minority-owned businesses in Northeast Illinois with annual revenue under $1 M, plus strategic financial guidance.
Chicago, Illinois
New Covenant Community Development Corporation (NCCDC) empowers entrepreneurs through accessible financial education, one-on-one coaching, and practical workshops covering business credit, cash flow, and more.
Online
Fidelity’s Advantage 401(k) provides small businesses an affordable, easy-to-manage 401(k) plan with transparent pricing and streamlined setup.
National
Pursuit Lending offers flexible business loan products to help small businesses access capital for growth, equipment, working capital, refinancing, and other operational needs.
For more information, visit PursuitLending.com
Chicago, IL
Elevate by Principal is a digital platform that provides self-serve access to expense savings through name brand suppliers as well as one-on-one support to achieve additional savings through a tailored spend review.
For more information, visit ElevateByPrincipal.com
National
Allies for Community Business offers term loans and lines of credit between $500 and $100,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois and Indiana.
For more information, visit a4cb.org
Located in Chicago, but serving all of Illinois and Indiana
EDLI (Entrepreneurial Development and Leadership Institute) is a Chicago‑based nonprofit that builds an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by helping Black, Latino, and women business owners grow, prepare for funding, and connect with tailored resources and support.
For more information, visit Edli.org
Chicago, IL
The Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3), formerly known as Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Through targeted programs, resources, and outreach and promotional activities, OE3 aims to create an inclusive and strong business ecosystem for communities that have traditionally faced systemic barriers to entry and growth. This investment spurs local economic development in underserved areas resulting in a revitalized and thriving Illinois economy.
For more information, visit dceo.Illinois.gov
statewide in Illinois
