Small Business Development Centers
🏛 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for host organizations seeking to operate Small Business Development Centers across Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, universities, community colleges, chambers of commerce, and other organizations with capacity to deliver business advisory services. Organizations must demonstrate ability to serve startups and established small businesses with confidential counseling, training, and capital access support. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois; applicants must be located in or serve the state.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Seeking qualified host organizations to operate Small Business Development Centers and Satellite Centers and provide program services. The Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) located throughout the state provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other resources to start-up and existing small businesses. In addition, the Illinois SBDCs help clients with securing needed business capital, marketing, exporting, commercialization of new ideas, development of innovative products and services. Client projects range from early-stage, pre-revenue concepts to established business operations. The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Final Guidance”), located at 2 C.F.R. 200 et seq., supersedes and combines the requirements of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars A-21, A-87, A-102, A-110, A-122, and A-133. The SBA has published exceptions to the Final Guidance at 2 C.F.R. Part 2701 Beneficiaries: Aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners receive confidential business guidance, training, and other resources to start and grow their small business(es). Federal Assistance Listing: 59.037 — Small Business Development Centers. Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-35-0083).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA Grant Agreement (CSFA 420-35-0083)
- Detailed project narrative/service delivery plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Cost-sharing documentation
- Organizational capacity evidence (staff qualifications, facilities)
- Letters of support from local partners
- Audit reports (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Ericka A. White
- 📧 Ericka.White@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 59.037 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$10,333,008
-
$9,841,005
-
$8,763,155
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$8,393,834
-
$7,872,804
-
$7,671,768
-
$7,614,576
-
$7,085,433
-
$7,084,957
-
$6,731,334
Top States by Funding
- CA 12 awards $42.8M
- TX 12 awards $41.7M
- FL 4 awards $34.0M
- NY 3 awards $26.5M
- OH 5 awards $24.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2015 | $6,410,252 | |
| 2016 | $5,664,538 | |
| 2017 | $3,022,308 | |
| 2018 | $3,500,000 | |
| 2019 | $4,200,000 | |
| 2023 | $5,585,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply to operate an SBDC?
Host organizations like nonprofits, colleges, universities, and chambers of commerce. You must demonstrate capacity to provide business counseling and training services statewide or regionally.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes. Applicants must provide matching funds or in-kind resources to supplement the grant award.
What services should the SBDC provide?
Confidential business guidance, training, market research, capital access assistance, export support, and commercialization help for startups and existing businesses.
What is the typical award range?
Awards range from $80,000 to $525,000 annually. Exact amounts depend on service scope and regional need.
When is the deadline?
This program uses rolling acceptance. Submit applications on a continuous basis rather than a fixed deadline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Document your organization's track record serving small businesses. Include past client outcomes and success stories.
- Clearly define your service territory and demonstrate demand for SBDC services in your region.
- Present a realistic budget with detailed cost-sharing contribution. Show how your match strengthens program capacity.
- Develop detailed service delivery plans covering counseling, training, capital access, and marketing support.
- Partner with local economic development agencies, lenders, and business associations to strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating operational costs or failing to budget adequately for experienced counselors. Unclear or weak cost-sharing commitments that don't demonstrate real organizational investment. Vague service delivery plans without specific metrics or client targets.
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