Illinois Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program 2026

About

A grant program designed to support underserved entrepreneurs in Illinois by providing substantial funding and access to various business assistance resources. This initiative aims to empower minorities, women, veterans, and other marginalized groups by helping them overcome economic barriers and enhance their business capabilities.

Benefits

• 💰Grant Amounts
  Grant amounts range from $250,000 to $500,000
• 🚀Economic Support
  Funding aims to help overcome economic barriers
• 📊Business Assistance
  Access to business planning, financial counseling, management analysis, market research assistance, and cohort-based training programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an underserved entrepreneur or small business
• Focus on minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, youth entrepreneurs, and dislocated workers
• Must apply through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.

Participation Commitments

• Applications accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted
• Participation in a technical assistance webinar on May 13, 2026, is encouraged.

Target Region

Illinois

Target Sector

All sectors