SSBCI Venture Capital TA Program
SSBCI Venture Capital TA Program supports providers of venture capital technical assistance for very small and socially and economically disadvantaged-owned businesses to address barriers to accessing capital.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: September 30, 2026 (Applications open) | October 14, 2026, 1:00 PM (Optional technical assistance session) | October 30, 2026, 5:00 PM (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2,250,000 estimated total funding; one anticipated award; no matching funds required
Summary: Federal grant support for providers delivering venture capital technical assistance to eligible very small and SEDI-owned businesses.
Key Information: Applicants must be pre-qualified before the application deadline to be considered.
Description
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois’ implementing entity for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), administers this federally funded venture capital technical assistance opportunity. DCEO seeks grantees to assist eligible Very Small Businesses (VSBs) and businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI). The businesses served must be applying for, preparing to apply for, or have previously applied for an SSBCI capital program or another federal or other jurisdiction’s small business program.
The broader SSBCI Technical Assistance Program is implemented by DCEO’s Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment with U.S. Department of Treasury funding. It aims to help small businesses, especially SEDI-owned businesses, overcome systemic barriers to accessing capital through targeted technical assistance.
