Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
Funding Amount
$150,000 - $250,000
Deadline
April 30, 2026
22 days left
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)
Funder: City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor
Geographic Scope: Chicago Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts including Lawrence/Pulaski, Lawrence/Kedzie, North Park, and Albany Park
Program Description: The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply independently.
- Commercial property owners and industrial property owners located in eligible TIF districts
- Tenant businesses (may apply on their own behalf)
- Property must be verified as located in an eligible district using the SBIF Locator Map tool
Eligibility
Award Structure
Grant Type: Reimbursement grant (paid after work is completed and proof of payment to city-licensed contractors is received)Maximum Grant Assistance:
Grant Percentage: Grants cover 30 to 90 percent of project costs
Multiple Grants: An applicant may receive one or more grants for a project property up to the maximum grant program assistance. Once maximum assistance is reached, no applications for that property shall be eligible for SBIF consideration for three (3) years from the reimbursement date.
Repayment: Grants do not have to be repaid
Additional Information
PEBA Service Area: Lawrence/Pulaski district2026 Application Period:
Informational Webinar: 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2026
Contact: For additional information, visit www.chicago.gov/sbif or contact PEBA
SBIF Locator Map: https://somercor.com/sbif/
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Verify Eligibility: Use the SBIF Locator Map tool to confirm your property is located in an eligible TIF district
2. Attend Informational Webinar (Optional but Recommended): 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2026 to review program requirements and application process
3. Submit Application: Submit online through the City of Chicago portal during the application window
- Applications open: 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Applications close: 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2026
4. Complete Application Requirements: Application will require documentation of project scope, costs, and contractor information
5. Approval and Project Execution: Once approved, complete the building improvement project using city-licensed contractors
6. Submit Reimbursement Request: After project completion, submit proof of payment to contractors for reimbursement
7. Receive Grant: Reimbursement paid after work is completed and proof of payment is verified
- Property address and proof of ownership/tenancy
- Detailed project scope and specifications
- Cost estimates from city-licensed contractors
- Proof that property is in eligible TIF district
- Proof of payment to contractors (for reimbursement stage)
Required Materials
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
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