• Funding Resources

  • Running a Small Business Can be Hard...

    We Are Here to Help!

     

    Looking for financial assistance to start or expand your business? The BDC can assist you!

    Keep scrolling to learn about currently available financial resources from grants to loans for small businesses.

    The BDC helps connect businesses with local, state, and federal grants as well as grants offered by trusted partners. Grants are financial programs tailored to specific needs such as payroll, equipment, overhead expenses, etc. If your business is awarded a grant, you receive a predetermined sum of money that does not require repayment.

    Each grant has a unique application process, eligibility criteria, document requirements, and review procedure. Please review the details provided below carefully, and feel free to visit the direct websites for specific programs if you have any questions or require assistance with the application process.

    For inquiries, please contact the Economic Development team at economicdevelopment@berwyn.net or call 708-788-8100.​


     

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  • Finish Line Grant

    Roosevelt, Depot, or Harlem/Cermak TIF Districts

  • Looking to replace your awning or renovate your building? You may be eligible for the BDC’s Finish Line Grant. This grant program assists businesses and property owners with interior and exterior renovation costs, such as awnings, façade improvements, rodent abatement, and buildouts.

    If your business or commercial property is located within one of Berwyn’s active TIF Districts, you may be eligible to receive up to 50% reimbursement on your renovation expenses. 

    Funding will be calculated as a percentage of the total project cost and will be committed to businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a maximum grant amount of $50,000.00.

    To be eligible, you must:

    • Be located in the Roosevelt, Depot, or Harlem/Cermak TIF Districts.
    • Submit a completed application BEFORE the renovation project starts.

     

  • Upcoming Application Deadlines

  • ONGOING GRANT PROGRAMS

  • Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program 

    Description: Unrestricted grant opportunity for certified minority, women, veteran, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses (certified by national or state organizations) in the following states California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The annual revenue of the business should be between $250,000 to $10 million.  

    Award Range: $5,000 

    More Information: Supplier Innovative Finance Program  


     

  • LeadCare Cook County Lead Service Line Replacement Program

    Description: Supports a safe and healthy learning environment for children by offering free lead service line replacement to child care providers in suburban Cook County.

    Award: Full coverage of the lead service line replacement cost

    More Information: leadcareillinois.org/cookcounty/.


     

  • Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program

    Description: Helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while creating a healthier environment for their employees, customers and community by offering on-site assessments to reduce pollution. Once an assessment has been completed, eligible businesses will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding. This funding will go towards solutions that save money, reduce impact on the environment and modernize operations. Available to dry-cleaning facilities, auto body or auto repair shops, metal finishers, metal fabricators, or food and beverage manufacturers in suburban Cook County.  

    Award: Up to $400,000

    More Information: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/BRITE

     


     

  • IL Innovation Vouchers Program

    Description: The IL Innovation Vouchers Program will provide grants for companies to engage in research projects in partnership with an Illinois institute of higher education. This will facilitate the sharing of technologies, knowledge, facilities, and equipment, and ultimately lead to the production of more Illinois-based goods and services and spur economic growth in the state.  

    Award: 75% of the cost of the research engagement (not to exceed $75,000)

    More Information: Innovation Vouchers Program


     

  • Partner Programs

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  • BYLINE EXPRESS LOANS

    • Qualified small businesses can receive rapid approval for working capital and equipment purchases, with loan approval not contingent on collateral1. 
    • No financials are needed for loans under $150,000.
    • As experienced SBA lenders, Byline Bank also offers SBA Express loans for applications that don’t qualify conventionally, through automatic decisioning with one single application.

    LEARN MORE


     

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  • Republic Bank Express Loans

    • Our Express Business Loan makes borrowing easy so you can focus on what matters most – your business.
    • No hassles. No headaches. No kidding.
    • This is business banking done right. Right now.
    • Up to $250,000 in 24 Hours
    • Lines of credit also available.

    LEARN MORE