CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) – Time is running out for small business owners across Champaign County to apply for a grant that could offer a financial lifeline.
The Champaign County Small Business Grant Program is accepting applications through Friday, August 22, offering up to $5,000 in funding to help local businesses grow, recover, and adapt. But with only a few days left, local leaders are urging eligible businesses not to miss out.
“This is a fantastic opportunity, but we want people to know that the window is closing quickly,” said Madeleine Wolske, director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC. “These funds can make a real difference for businesses still navigating challenges from the past few years.”
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be located in Champaign County
- Have been established before March 11, 2020
- Operate from a brick-and-mortar or mobile location (home-based businesses do not qualify)
- Have 100 or fewer employees
- Be in good legal standing in Illinois
- And be a registered client of the Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC before the application deadline
Funds can be used for essential business needs like marketing, technology upgrades, recruitment, professional services, and even bookkeeping software.
With limited funds available and applications being scored competitively, early submission is advised. Registration with the Illinois SBDC is free and does not require a meeting—just a short online form.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out because they waited too long,” Wolske added. “If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time.”
Deadline to Apply: Friday, August 22, 2025 – 11:59 p.m. For more information or to start the application process, visit: champaigncountygrants.com or contact the SBDC directly.
