West Cook News

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced the launch of the Catalyst Grant, a new program aimed at supporting up to 88 established businesses in selected industries with $100,000 each to help them grow. The initiative is managed by the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and is open to businesses throughout Cook County that have annual sales over $500,000.

Applications for the grant are being accepted until October 31, 2025. To qualify, businesses must be located in Cook County and operate in one of several designated industries: construction, finance and insurance, information technology, manufacturing, professional services, or real estate. These sectors were chosen based on profitability, growth trends, and their presence within the county.

Eligible companies need to show documented revenue between $500,000 and $10 million for both 2023 and 2024 as well as evidence of growth. Recipients must use the funds for hiring or training employees, upgrading facilities, or expanding operations. Details about eligibility and application procedures can be found at cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.

Since 2021, Cook County has invested $67 million in approximately 4,700 small businesses. The new Catalyst Grant builds on these efforts by focusing on firms ready to expand further.

"The Catalyst Grant provides established businesses that are on the cusp of growth with a unique opportunity to scale up their operations, accelerating the journey to sustainable success," said President Preckwinkle. "Local businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and my administration remains committed to providing them with a strong support network and access to vital resources."

Derek Douglas, president of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago commented: "The Cook County Catalyst Grant program is the right effort to support Cook County. These investments will fuel the growth of vital businesses across our county which will, in turn, fuel the growth of the broader business ecosystem we’re working to strengthen at the Civic Committee through our Chicago Business Opportunity Initiative. We look forward to continuing to partner with the County and other stakeholders as this critical work gets underway."

The program is administered by Allies for Community Business and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), both part of The Source—Cook County's network offering free business advising services.

Erica Kuhlmann, WBDC President and CEO said: "At the WBDC, we believe that when businesses are ignited, they don’t just grow—they transform communities. The Catalyst Grant is designed to do just that: support growing employer businesses to scale, helping them expand operations, increase workforce capacity and deepen their economic impact. We can’t wait to see how these 88 businesses light up Cook County’s economic landscape."

Jaime di Paulo from the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce highlighted that nearly 100,000 Hispanic-owned firms operate in Cook County but most have fewer than 20 employees. He noted: "We know that once a business surpasses the 20-employee threshold it experiences exponential growth. These businesses drive job creation boost consumer spending and strengthen supply chains that benefit entire industries," he said. "The Catalyst Grant will not only fill a longstanding gap in access to growth capital it will also help close the wealth gap that the Hispanic community continues to face...As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this initiative is a powerful reminder of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region forward."

Applicants will receive notification regarding their status in December 2025; funds will be distributed in spring 2026.

For more information on applying for this grant visit cookcountysmallbiz.org/catalystgrant.