Small Business Improvement Fund
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
Learn more about LaSalle SBIF grant opportunities
Small business owners are invited to read more about available LaSalle Street properties as part of the LaSalle Street Reimagined initiative, which is providing SBIF grants up to $250,000 for buildout costs within the priority area. Those interested in learning more about the program can also register for an Aug. 29 rollout webinar ahead of the window for submitting grant applications, which opens Sept. 1.
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides 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.
September 2023
OPENS: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 | Video | Presentation
October 2023
OPENS: 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 | Register
November 2023
OPENS: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
- Avalon Park/South Shore
- Bryn Mawr/Broadway
- Galewood/Armitage
- Lawrence/Pulaski
- Pilsen Industrial Corridor
Informational Webinar
1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 | Register
The application must be submitted to DPD’s program administrator, SomerCor. For additional program information or application assistance, visit the SomerCor website at www.somercor.com/sbif.