Center for Entrepreneurship Diversity and Education
State & Regional Funding
Explore funding options from state and regional organizations
Awards several $4K grants Must be a NASE member, memberships range in price from $25/year (student) - $540/year (top tier). Benefits to being a NASE member: legal help, healthcare insurance plans, home offcie insurance, credit cards, office supplies, website design, and travel services
Find your state or region through the website and explore the various grants that are offered in your area to fund your business and ideas!
Mutliple state organizations offer grants and loans to small and large business. Learn and read more through their website to find your state and explore your options to fund your business.
Program for Investors in Micro entrepreneurs (PRIME)
This grant will provide funding for private, nonprofit microenterprise development organizations; microenterprise development programs run by State/Local/Tribal Governments; or Indian tribes interested in providing assistance and guidance to disadvantaged microentrepreneurs and/or microenterprise development organizations.
A fund for small businesses (up to 50 employees) in downstate / rural Illinois. Grants up to ~ $25,000 working capital via local governments
Through the Catalyst Grant, as many as 88 established and growing businesses in select industries will have the opportunity to advance to their next stage of development. Whether it’s addressing workforce needs, improving operations or upgrading facilities, this $100,000 grant empowers businesses to scale up and invest with confidence.
This is offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It’s geared toward businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or very small businesses (less than 10 employees). Grants range from $10,000 to $245,000 for capital/infrastructure projects (e.g., building expansion, equipment, land acquisition).
Although specifically for Chicago, if you ever expand or have property in Chicago this is relevant: reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement/repairs for small businesses.