Cook County Catalyst Grant: A Growth Opportunity for Local Businesses
If your business is ready to take the next step, whether expanding, upgrading, or hiring new talent, the Catalyst Grant from Cook County could be the boost you have been looking for. Through the Cook County Small Business Source initiative, this grant offers an important opportunity for growing businesses to invest in their future.
What Is the Catalyst Grant?
The Catalyst Grant is a competitive funding program created to support established, revenue-generating businesses in Cook County. Up to 88 businesses will be selected to receive $100,000 grants to accelerate growth.
Grant funds may be used for:
Equipment purchases
Facility upgrades or renovations
Workforce investments such as hiring or training
The purpose is to give businesses the capital they need to expand operations, improve infrastructure, and bring on new talent.
Who Is Eligible?
Businesses must meet the following criteria:
Operate as a for-profit business located in Cook County (including suburban areas)
Have at least one full-time employee, in addition to the owner, during 2024 and at the time of application
Report annual revenue between $500,000 and $10 million in both 2023 and 2024
Operate in one of the following industries: construction, finance and insurance, IT and technology, manufacturing, professional services, or real estate
Show growth from 2023 to 2024 in both net income and full-time employee count
Certain businesses are not eligible, including nonprofits, those primarily engaged in politics, gambling ventures, or religious instruction.
Important Dates and Timeline
Application Opens: September 25, 2025
Deadline: October 31, 2025, at 5:00 pm CT
Review and Selection Period: November 2025 through February 2026
Notifications to Applicants: March 2026
Grant Funds Disbursed: Beginning April 2026
Spending Window: Recipients must use funds within 18 months of disbursement
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Smartsheet via the “Apply Now” link on the Catalyst Grant page.
Businesses should prepare these documents before applying:
Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
2023 and 2024 federal tax returns, including schedules
IRS Form 941 for Q4 of 2023 and Q4 of 2024
Proof of Illinois good standing (such as Secretary of State documentation)
Since applications cannot be edited or supplemented once submitted, it is important to gather all documents in advance.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Funding cannot reimburse past expenses. Only costs incurred after the grant is awarded are eligible.
Businesses that lease their space may still make facility improvements, but the lease must be valid at least one year beyond the award date and the landlord must acknowledge the improvements.
Grant recipients must complete reporting requirements, including surveys and tax filings, and follow the terms of the grant agreement.
Not all eligible applicants will receive funding due to demand.
Support and Resources
Help is available for those applying.
No-cost advising is offered through the Source’s network of Business Support Organizations.
An informational webinar on the 2025 Catalyst Grant is scheduled; check the events calendar for details.
For questions, contact the help desk at granthelp@a4cb.org or call (312) 275-3000.
For full details and to apply, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.
