Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) Grant Program

Grant Overview

$30,000 Business Growth Funding for Waukegan and North Chicago Entrepreneurs

Donor: Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF), Allies for Community Business (A4CB)

About: The Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) represents a transformative opportunity for entrepreneurs in Waukegan and North Chicago, offering not just funding but a comprehensive pathway to sustainable business growth. This innovative program is selecting 19 dedicated business owners to receive substantial financial support and intensive professional development.

Each selected entrepreneur receives a $30,000 grant coupled with participation in a structured four-month learning cohort. This dual approach ensures that business owners gain both the capital and knowledge needed to scale their operations effectively. The program’s design reflects a deep understanding that sustainable business growth requires more than just financial investment.

The SBGI program builds on its successful pilot initiative, which demonstrated remarkable results with businesses like Drip & Culture, a socially-minded coffee brand that exemplifies the program’s vision for community-centered entrepreneurship. This success story showcases how the grant can facilitate both business expansion and community impact.

What sets this initiative apart is its holistic approach to business development. Participants receive personalized coaching, valuable business connections, and access to a supportive peer network. This comprehensive support system helps entrepreneurs navigate growth challenges while building lasting relationships within the local business community.

Need assistance with your SBGI grant application? Grantaura’s expert team can help you craft a compelling application, develop required documentation like business plans and financial forecasts, and maximize your chances of being selected for this transformative opportunity. Our grant-writing specialists understand what makes applications stand out and can guide you through every step of the process.

Focus: Small business development, Local economic growth, Job creation, Community wealth building, Entrepreneurship development, Business coaching, Professional networking

Region: Waukegan, North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Eligibility:
-Must be located in Waukegan or North Chicago, Illinois
-Must commit to participating in a four-month learning cohort program
-Must be available to attend the first SBGI cohort meeting on May 19th at 3 pm
-Must be a small business owner committed to growth and community impact
-Must register in the Foundant Grants Management System
-Businesses involved in weapon sales, ammunition sales, gambling, or tobacco sales are not eligible

Benefits:
-$30,000 grant funding
-Four-month professional learning cohort participation
-Business coaching and mentorship
-Professional networking opportunities
-Access to technical assistance and resources
-Peer-to-peer learning and support
-Long-term growth support and collaboration

Deadline: April 11, 2025 at 11:59 pm

Terms:
-SBGI: Small Business Growth Initiative, a comprehensive grant program designed to support small business growth in specific Illinois communities
-LCCF: Lake County Community Foundation, the primary administrator of the SBGI program
-A4CB: Allies for Community Business, a partner organization providing support for the SBGI program
-Foundant: The grants management system used for SBGI application submissions
-Learning Cohort: A structured group learning program where grant recipients participate in educational sessions and peer networking
-Technical Assistance: Professional support services including business planning, financial management, and operational guidance