Small Business Improvement Fund
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.
Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts citywide.
Program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.
- Business properties located in a TIF district where SBIF funds are available and the SBIF is open for applications
- Commercial businesses with gross annual sales up to $9 million on average over the previous three years
- Commercial property owners with net worth up to $ 9 million and liquid assets up to $500,000
- Industrial businesses with up to 200 full-time employees
- Residential projects are not eligible for SBIF grants
SBIF applications are submitted during monthly rollout periods for individual TIF districts. Upcoming dates are listed below.
OPENS: 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 30
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 | Register
OPENS: 9 a.m. Thursday, May 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Friday, May 30
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 | Register
OPENS: 9 a.m. Sunday, June 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Monday, June 30
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 | Register
DPD is now offering an online application via the Submittable platform. Any questions about the new application can be sent to sbif@cityofchicago.org.
Interested parties can also apply using a PDF version of the application. Any questions about program rules and eligibility can be directed to SBIF program administrator SomerCor at sbif@somercor.com.