Financial solutions support small businesses and nonprofits with access to capital through grants and microloans, financial education and First Women’s Bank offerings to strengthen financial health, stability, growth, and long-term impact.
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The SpringWell360 Health Equity Grant provides $1,000 in funding to support students, professionals, researchers, and community organizations advancing health equity. Projects focused on education, research, outreach, or reducing health disparities in underserved communities are encouraged.
Apply by August 31, 2026.
The Honeycomb Credit “Changing the Game” Grant awards $20,000 to a small business owner to support growth initiatives such as expansion, equipment purchases, renovations, or other business improvements. Funds small business owners with a vision to move beyond the traditional sports bar model, to create elevated environments centered on food and beverage, community, and wellness. Applicants must own a U.S.-based small business and complete the online application.
Apply by July 31, 2026
The Kirabo Grant provides $5,000 in non-dilutive funding to entrepreneurs and small business owners from historically under-resourced communities. The recipient also receives a complimentary Kirabo membership and business coaching session. U.S.-based for-profit and nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Apply by June 28, 2026
The Rise to Radiance Grant from Rise Women Collective awards $500–$1,000 to support women pursuing or advancing careers in beauty, cosmetology, and personal care. Funding can be used for tuition, certification programs, professional tools, training workshops, and other career-development expenses.
Apply by June 30, 2026
The She Seals the Deal Grant awards $5,000 to one U.S.-based woman entrepreneur — specifically coaches, consultants, or service-based business owners — who is actively selling her expertise and committed to building consistent, repeatable revenue. Fee to apply is $25,
Apply by June 30, 2026
The Ulta Beauty MUSE Accelerator supports eight early-stage beauty brands with $50,000 in funding, a 10-week business curriculum, and mentorship from industry leaders and Ulta Beauty partners. One participant will also receive an additional $10,000 award through the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
Apply by June 28, 2026
The Allstate Main Street Grants Program helps small U.S. businesses grow through a 12-week virtual Boost Camp covering marketing, finance, operations, and growth strategies. Up to 250 entrepreneurs will participate, and 100 will receive $20,000 grants.
Apply by June 23, 2026.
The Entreprenista Evolve Grant awards $5,000 each quarter to women founders in the U.S. who have been in business for at least one year and generate $100K+ in annual revenue. Sponsored by GIMME Beauty, the grant is designed to help established women-owned businesses reach their next stage of growth.
Apply by June 19, 2026
A Shared Commitment to Community HANA Center was introduced to First Women’s Bank (FWB) through Joy Thorne, FWB Assistant Vice President. Recognizing the alignment between HANA’s mission and the Bank’s purpose, Joy helped spark a relationship grounded in shared values and advancing opportunity through intentional action. A Relationship-Driven Approach From…
Financial independence doesn’t just empower individuals — it can strengthen the entire care economy. Greater financial stability gives caregivers, families, and entrepreneurs more flexibility to invest in child care, elder care, and support services that drive economic growth and community well-being. The care economy is already a rapidly growing market…
Strategic acquisitions—of businesses and real estate—help women build assets, strengthen balance sheets, and gain leverage. This increases access to capital, improves financing terms, and enables reinvestment—creating a cycle of growth, ownership, and progress toward closing the gender lending gap. Read the Full Article on Fast Company Here…
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.
Watch the video and hear Nicole's story of opening her first BIGGBY Coffee location in Itasca, IL.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Venturize offers flexible loan options and capital solutions to help small businesses grow, expand operations, and strengthen financial footing with accessible funding support.
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.
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.
Somercor provides loans, grants, and advisory support to help small businesses and nonprofits grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Illinois and the Midwest.
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.
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.
The TransUnion Blog delivers timely articles on credit, identity protection, debt-management and personal finance — empowering readers to take control of their financial lives.
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The Polsky Small Business Financial Fundamentals program helps Chicago businesses access capital through financial training, analysis, mentorship, and a funding-ready financial report.
The Fundamentals of Capital masterclass helps women entrepreneurs understand capital structures, funding options, and investor pitching to scale their businesses.
Mona Ventures is a platform connecting U.S. small businesses to affordable loans and grants, offering personalized support and coaching throughout the application process.
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.
First Women's Bank offers business checking, lending, treasury management, and digital banking, empowering businesses with equitable access to capital and financial tools.
First Women's Bank provides commercial loans for equipment, inventory, vehicles, and real estate, supporting equitable access to capital and growth.
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.
The WE Hub Money Finder helps Illinois women entrepreneurs find grants, loans, and funding opportunities tailored to their business needs.
SBA-approved microlenders offering loans up and technical support for small businesses. Search by state or download the full list on the SBA website.
SBA financial guide: track assets and liabilities, analyze costs, keep accurate records, and use resources to make informed decisions and grow your small business.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fidelity’s Advantage 401(k) provides small businesses an affordable, easy-to-manage 401(k) plan with transparent pricing and streamlined setup.
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
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
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
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
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
