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OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program
General · Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) · IL
The OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program is an Illinois state grant from DCEO offering $10,000 to $245,000 to small, disadvantaged, or very small businesses for capital improvements, equipment, and property purchases.
The OE3 Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program is a state grant offered through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It provides cash grants ranging from $10,000 to $245,000 to help small businesses in Illinois cover the cost of capital and infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases, and property acquisition.
The program is aimed at helping eligible businesses grow and create jobs, with a stated priority for businesses located within CDFI Investment Areas. Funding is awarded in rounds, so applicants should confirm whether an application window is currently open before applying.
This program targets two groups: businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) with up to 25 employees, and very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, regardless of ownership category. It is only open to businesses operating in Illinois.
For a small-business owner needing capital for equipment, facility upgrades, or property purchases, this program could offer a meaningful, non-dilutive source of funding since it is a grant rather than a loan. However, because DCEO issues awards in rounds and updates eligibility and amounts periodically, applicants should visit the official DCEO page to confirm current award amounts, open application windows, and detailed eligibility criteria before applying.
Because this listing's data notes it reflects 2026 information that should be reconfirmed, business owners should treat the amounts and eligibility described here as a starting point, not a guarantee, and always verify directly with DCEO.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, not a loan.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, grant funds generally do not need to be repaid, though specific program terms should be confirmed at the official source.
Who is eligible?
Illinois businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals with up to 25 employees, or very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
How much money can I get?
Awards range from $10,000 to $245,000, awarded in rounds.
What can the money be used for?
Capital and infrastructure improvements, equipment acquisition, and property purchase.
Is there a deadline?
There is no fixed deadline listed; applicants should check current rounds for open application windows.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the DCEO website at https://dceo.illinois.gov/oe3/small-business-capital-and-infrastructure-grant-program.html.
Who runs this program?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Is this available outside Illinois?
No, it is limited to businesses operating in Illinois.
Is priority given to certain locations?
Yes, priority is given to businesses located in CDFI Investment Areas.
Is the award amount guaranteed?
No, award amounts and open rounds should be confirmed at the official state site.
Is this grant taxable?
Confirm at the source, as tax treatment is not specified in the program details.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.