City of Champaign Launches Two New Programs to Help Small Businesses

The City of Champaign and the Champaign County Economic Development Center are excited to announce the launch of two new programs designed to help start and grown small businesses in Champaign. These new programs promote local entrepreneurship and economic growth by providing financial assistance and technical support to help launch and grow our vital small businesses. Applications accepted through October 20, 2024.

• New Business Program: Up to $10,000 reimbursement for entrepreneurs starting
  a new business, or for businesses less than two years old.
• Growing Business Program: Up to $20,000 reimbursement for established small
  businesses (older than two years) looking to expand their operations.

Eligible businesses must be located within the Champaign city limits and meet specific criteria for each program. Applications must be submitted before October 20, 2024, and awardees will be announced in November 2024. New Business Program applicants are encouraged to attend the Starting Your Business in Illinois workshop hosted by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and download SBDC’s business plan outline to strengthen their application. For more information about these programs, including dates for informational webinars on how to apply, visit champaignil.gov/city-incentives/ or contact the City’s Planning and Development Department at 217-403-8800 or planning@champaignil.gov.