Skokie, ILL – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced nearly $10 million in grants for 47 small businesses across the state.
The funding, awarded through the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program, will support businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups and very small businesses to help them create jobs, improve efficiency, and grow local economies.
Pritzker made the announcement Thursday at Soul Good Coffee in Skokie, one of the grant recipients.
“From corner stores to cafes to burgeoning manufacturers, small businesses are the job creators at the heart of the Illinois economy and are the pride of our communities,” Pritzker said. “This round of grants will reach small businesses in communities across Illinois, supporting the hard work, creativity, and passion of entrepreneurs and their employees.”
The governor emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses during a time of economic challenges.
“Now is an especially important time for us to uplift small businesses, and Illinois remains laser-focused on an agenda that fights back against tariffs and helps grow our entrepreneurial environment,” Pritzker said.
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said small businesses do more than drive economies.
“They not only keep our local economies thriving, but they also create gathering places, strengthen community pride, and draw visitors,” Stratton said. “These grants recognize the vital role small businesses play in our state and represent an investment in their successes and in a bright future for communities across Illinois.”
Established by Governor Pritzker in 2019, the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program helps Illinois small businesses strengthen operations, overcome financial challenges, and contribute to their communities through capital and infrastructure investments.
“This funding will ensure small businesses across the state have access to critical resources to improve operational efficiency, support infrastructure investment, and create jobs for hardworking Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.
Businesses can use the funds for projects including planning, land and building acquisition, site improvements, equipment purchases, and property acquisition.
This round of grants targeted businesses owned by Socially Economically Disadvantaged Individuals with a maximum of 25 full-time permanent employees, or Very Small Businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
Recipients were selected through a competitive process that prioritized businesses located in Community Development Financial Institution Investment Areas, especially those with proposals focused on job creation, economic revitalization, or increased community engagement.
State lawmakers from the Skokie area praised the program and its impact on local communities.
“Soul Good Coffee reflects the very best of Skokie and our state — entrepreneurs who pour their talent, culture, and creativity into a small business that serves their neighbors,” said State Senator Laura Fine. “When we help local businesses grow, we strengthen the heart of our communities.”
State Senator Ram Villivalam said he’s excited to see the impact of supporting historically underrepresented business owners.
“I am excited to support small businesses in our communities through grants that uplift historically underrepresented groups and ensure opportunities continue to be available to our neighbors,” Villivalam said.
State Representative Kevin Olickal emphasized the program’s importance during challenging economic times.
“Small businesses like Soul Good Coffee are vital to our economy and community as places that not only provide jobs, good food and service, but places that also bring people together,” Olickal said.
The grants are part of the Pritzker administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting equitable economic growth across Illinois.
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