SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering the SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program to support socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and very small businesses (VSBs) seeking participation in SSBCI-funded initiatives. This federal funding opportunity, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and implemented via the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), focuses on enhancing access to capital for underserved populations. DCEO is seeking proposals from qualified organizations that can deliver legal, accounting, and financial advisory technical assistance to small businesses located in Region 4: North of Illinois, which includes counties such as Winnebago, Jo Daviess, and Rock Island. This particular NOFO prioritizes the Loan Technical Assistance Program component, targeting support services that increase application readiness and financial literacy among SEDI-owned businesses and VSBs. The overarching goal is to enable these businesses to access capital programs like Advantage Illinois Participation and Guarantee Loan Programs, the INVENT Venture Capital Program, and the Climate Bank Finance Program. Eligible subrecipients must provide comprehensive assistance either directly or through contractual partnerships to ensure statewide service coverage. Allowable services include legal document preparation, business formation assistance, accounting support, financial modeling, and investment preparation. Funding of $700,000 will be awarded to a single organization or lead entity capable of administering all three core service areas within the 15-county Region 4. Wraparound services such as market research, investor training, and outreach events are encouraged to bolster service effectiveness. Organizations may partner with community or economic development agencies, business support networks, and federally funded TA providers like Small Business Development Centers to enhance service delivery. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required for this opportunity, and indirect costs are permitted if properly documented. Applicants must be registered with the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal and meet federal and state compliance requirements, including valid SAM registration, good standing with the Secretary of State, and a valid UEI. Eligible applicants must be either nonprofit or for-profit entities whose mission or operations are significantly tied to delivering legal, accounting, or financial advisory services. SEDI-owned applicants are strongly prioritized. Applicants must submit a completed Uniform Grant Application, budget, mandatory disclosures, and proof of partnerships if applicable. The application window opens on November 14, 2025, and closes on January 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. A non-mandatory technical assistance session will be held on November 24, 2025. Proposals will be competitively reviewed against criteria emphasizing need, capacity, and program quality. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award, with the grant performance period spanning from February 1, 2026, to January 31, 2028. Quarterly reporting on service metrics, narrative updates, and compliance with SSBCI TA guidelines will be mandatory throughout the award lifecycle.

Prioritize tailoring TA to SEDI-owned businesses, meeting Economic Benefit Ratio targets, and clearly demonstrating regional need and outreach strategy. Partnership documentation enhances scoring.