For Small Business Owners

The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) is partnering with Allies for Community Business (A4CB) to support 8 small businesses located in Waukegan.

LCCF’s Small Business Growth Initiative (SBGI) grant program is looking for 8 small businesses in Waukegan who want to grow their business and will commit to a 4-month learning cohort.

LCCF and A4CB are teaming up to provide financial capital, coaching, and connections that will help 8 entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create jobs and build wealth in Waukegan. We are committing $30,000 to each of the 8 small business owner(s) who want to grow in partnership with a business coach from our program.

The 2024 SBGI grant application is open until April 22nd at 11:59 pm. Please apply below.

Small Business Eligibility Requirements

Small Business Commitment

A commitment to participating in a 4-month cohort that includes technical assistance based on specific business growth opportunities
A commitment to attending 4 group meetings in Waukegan and 1:1 coaching

Small Business Growth Application

All applications have to register in Foundant , our Grants Management System. **YOU MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO APPLY**
Foundant Resources & Tools:

We will only choose 8 small businesses for the 2024 cohort from Waukegan. You can fill out the Small Business Growth Initiative application HERE. The SBGI grant application closes on April 22nd at 11:59 pm.

The 8 business owners chosen will need to be able to attend the first SBGI cohort meeting on May 20th at 3 pm. If you have questions, you can reach out to Courtney Combs at [email protected]

Key Information for 2024 SBGI cohort selection

8 businesses will be chosen for the 2024 SBGI cohort
Must commit to a 4-month cohort including 1:1 coaching
Must commit to 4 group meetings in Waukegan
Located within Waukegan
Generated revenue of at least $50,000 in 2023
$30,000 grant

Want to talk more about this opportunity? Please contact Courtney Combs at [email protected] to discuss your idea before applying.

How Does it Work?

Small business must have generated $50,000 in revenue in 2023
Small business must be in Waukegan
Current and in good standing with the IRS

We take a data-driven approach to working alongside small business owners to help them meet their specific growth goals, while enriching the surrounding economic landscape.

Small businesses apply with LCCF

Small businesses selected agree to work with LCCF and A4CB for 4-months

LCCF and A4CB will award 8 small businesses $30,000 grants

Small businesses participate in business coaching and cohort activities

Small businesses measure growth in partnership with LCCF and A4CB

Program Values

Equity
Transparency
Community
Collaboration

Thank you to our 2024 SBGI Funding Partners!