What businesses are not eligible?
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.
Invest in Illinois is a suite of programs designed to expand access to affordable financing and strengthen communities. The Invest in Illinois – Business Loan Guarantee Program (“Program”) helps small businesses in low-income communities overcome barriers to traditional financing. Through strategic partnerships with approved financial institutions (“Lenders”), the program provides loan guarantees to qualified small businesses in low-income communities, defined as geographic areas that have a poverty rate of at least 20 percent.
Find answers to the most common questions about the Invest in Illinois-Business Loan Guarantee Program. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact us.
1. Be insured by the FDIC or NCUA
2. Have a CRA rating of Satisfactory or Outstanding
3. Have an IDC rating of 75 or higher
4. Complete and submit a Lender Participation Application
5. Be authorized to do business in Illinois and have a presence in Illinois.
Step 2: Select 2025 from the “Year” drop-down
Step 3: Enter the business address
Step 4: Click “Census Demographic Data”
Step 5: Review the “Income” 2nd tab and check the “%Below Poverty Line”
1. Have fewer than 500 employees at the time of application
2. Be located in a low-income community using the FFEIC Geocoding System
To qualify, a business must:
Businesses in the investment real estate, tobacco products, adult entertainment, and gambling sectors are not eligible to participate in the Program.
Yes. Lenders must document why their existing loan products do not meet the business’s needs and include that explanation in the application.
Lenders choose the guarantee percentage for each loan. The maximum guarantee is 25% of the loan amount.
Each loan guarantee is available for up to 5 years. Lenders may choose to remove the guarantee earlier at no penalty.
The Business Loan Guarantee may be combined with other financing programs, including SBA or Rural Development loans, if program requirements are satisfied.
To find a participating Lender in your area, contact us at investinillinois@illinoistreasurer.gov.