City of Chicago - Small Business Improvement Fund
Administered by: SomerCor
Quick Summary
If your Chicago commercial or industrial business is in an eligible TIF district, SBIF can reimburse 30–90% of permanent building improvement costs (up to $150,000 for commercial or $250,000 for industrial), including HVAC systems, roofing, solar panels, and interior renovations. Check the SBIF Locator Tool to verify your property's TIF district, review eligibility based on gross sales or employee count, and submit your application during your district's monthly open period via [email protected].
AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026
Program Details
- Program ID
- 3388
- Last Updated
- 7/15/2022
Eligibility
Program Summary
SomerCor administers the Small Business Improvement Fund for the City of Chicago. The fund utilizes revenue from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and supports commercial and industrial properties. SBIF provides grants to commercial businesses for 30%, 60%, or 90% of the costs of permanent building improvements such as storefront renovation building systems, interior remodeling, and roof replacement. Industrial businesses with 200 or fewer employees are eligible for grants covering 50 of the project cost. Steps to applyConfirm your business is in a SBIF districtCheck which districts are openReview SBIF Eligibility requirementsReview SBIF program rulesFill out an application and submit it to [email protected]
Contact & Resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.