The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is one of the city’s longest-running and most successful programs, helping to retain and expand small businesses in nearly every neighborhood. SBIF grants use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to help businesses and owners of commercial and industrial properties make permanent building repairs and upgrades. These grants can cover up to 90% percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum of $150,000 for commercial properties. Industrial properties may be eligible for grants of up to $250,000. Businesses are not required to repay SBIF grants.
About the Clark/Montrose SBIF
Businesses located within the Clark/Montrose TIF District may submit SBIF applications beginning Sunday, June 1, 2025. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 30, 2025. These grants can reimburse costs related to pre-approved repair/rehab of business facilities or adjacent land acquisition. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has contracted SomerCor to administer this program.
Interested? To get started, you should:
- First, confirm your business or property is located within the Clark/Montrose TIF.
- Next, review the SBIF Eligibility Requirements and SBIF Program Rules.
- Then, submit your SBIF application online or download and submit a paper application.
Clark/Montrose SBIF Rollout Webinar
Join representatives from SomerCor and DPD on Wednesday, June 4 for an informational webinar* about the Clark/Montrose Small Business Improvement Fund.
*1:00pm on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP
SBIF Fast Facts
- Grants are available for commercial and industrial businesses and property owners.
- SBIF provides grants to commercial businesses covering 30%, 60%, or 90% of the costs of permanent building improvements like:
- Storefront renovation
- Building systems
- Interior remodeling
- Roof replacement
- Industrial businesses with 200 or fewer employees are eligible for grants covering 50% of their project costs.
- Since 1999, SBIF has invested over $100 million in Chicago small businesses
About the Clark/Montrose TIF
The Clark/Montrose TIF District is characterized by a retail corridor featuring mixed-use properties. This unique section of Clark Street connects Ravenswood, Uptown, and Andersonville. DPD has targeted over half of the 51-acre district for rehabilitation purposes, specifically for commercial, institutional and mixed-use properties along Clark. The TIF provides incentives for new construction projects that capitalize on the adjacent residential areas, and projects that preserve or rehabilitate historic or architecturally significant structures.
Other Clark/Montrose TIF priorities include job assistance to training and readiness programs, along with improvements to public right-of-ways, parks, and schools. The TIF has or will utilize a minimum of $7.3 million in public dollars to attract a minimum of $10 million in private investment.
