Program Overview 

The purpose of the Small Business Recovery Program is to protect our small business economy and preserve Evanston's economic and cultural fabric. Small, independently owned businesses define Evanston's economic and cultural identity. The Small Business Recovery Program will help existing small businesses, particularly those located in qualified census tracts or minority, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses, recover from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic.

Read the full Program Guidelines here.

Eligibility Criteria

Brick and mortar businesses who were open and operating on or before March 13, 2020.

Businesses must have:

• A physical location in Evanston
• A current business registration or license with the City of Evanston
• 50 or fewer employees
• Demonstrated negative impacts due to the pandemic

Eligible Expenses

Eligible applicants may request funding for any of the following services:

• Facade improvements
• Rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property
• Interior improvements, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.
• Relocation or expansion within Evanston (if located in a qualified census tract)
• Signage, including blade signs
• Capital expenditures, including tools and equipment
• Professional services (accounting, tax, insurance, legal, etc.)
• Marketing / communications technical assistance and support
• Trainings and certifications
• Hiring and training of new employees
• Other expenses may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Award Amounts

• The maximum award amount per applicant is $25,000 
• Projects that include physical improvements, including exterior facade improvements, rehabilitation or renovation of a commercial property, and interior leasehold improvements (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.), and relocation or expansion, are eligible for up to $25,000.

• All other expenses are eligible for up to $10,000.

Apply

Applications are due by April 15, 2024

Before applying to the Small Business Recovery Program, please carefully review the Program Guidelines. The application can be completed online at https://evanstonil.civicserve.com/business . Upon submission, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by Economic Development staff to based on the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Contact the Economic Development Division at economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with any questions.