Cook County grant to support businesses ready for growth

Cook County on Thursday launched a new grant program, offering 88 established businesses in select industries a chance to receive $100,000 to fuel their growth.

The Catalyst Grant is the first effort led by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development aimed at supporting growing and established businesses throughout the county with annual sales greater than $500,000. Applications are open until 5 p.m. Oct. 31.

Since 2021, Cook County has invested $67 million in 4,700 small businesses.

“The Catalyst Grant provides established businesses that are on the cusp of growth with a unique opportunity to scale up their operations, accelerating the journey to sustainable success,” said county board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and my administration remains committed to providing them with a strong support network and access to vital resources.”

To be eligible, businesses must be located in Cook County and operate in one of the following industries: construction; finance and insurance; information technology; manufacturing; professional services; or real estate. Industries were chosen based on several factors, including profitability, growth trends and the number of businesses in Cook County.

Eligible businesses also must have documented 2023 and 2024 revenue between $500,000 and $10 million, along with demonstrated growth. Selected recipients must use the funds to address hiring or training employees; upgrading facilities; or expanding operations. The application and list of eligibility requirements are available here.

Allies for Community Business and the Women’s Business Development Center are the program administrators for the grant. Both business support organizations are part of the Cook County Small Business Source, which provides free access to business advising, resources and events.

Since 2021, the WBDC has served as the program administrator for several Cook County grants, helping thousands of small businesses access critical funding and resources.

“At the WBDC, we believe that when businesses are ignited, they don’t just grow — they transform communities,” said President and CEO Erica Kuhlmann. “The Catalyst Grant is designed to do just that: support growing, employer businesses to scale, helping them expand operations, increase workforce capacity and deepen their economic impact.”

Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, one of the Cook County Small Business Source’s business support organizations, said of the nearly 100,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Cook County, 90% operate with fewer than 20 employees.

“We know that once a business surpasses the 20-employee threshold, it experiences exponential growth. These businesses drive job creation, boost consumer spending, and strengthen supply chains that benefit entire industries,” said di Paulo. “The Catalyst Grant will not only fill a longstanding gap in access to growth capital, it will also help close the wealth gap that the Hispanic community continues to face.”

Application assistance is available to interested businesses through the Source’s network of 13 business support organizations. A help desk also is available, as well as a video explaining the application process, and checklists for applicants.

Applicants will be notified of their status in December and Cook County will distribute funds in spring 2026. For more information, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.