Rebuild Distressed Communities Program

Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program to support economically distressed Illinois businesses and communities that have sustained property damage due to civil unrest on or after May 25th, 2020.

DCEO has partnered with two community organizations, Local Initiative Services Corporation (LISC) and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc. (CNI), to operate the program on behalf of DCEO.

Small Business Grants

The Rebuild Distressed Communities grant program will reimburse the cost of repairs for structural damages, including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems, and restoring exterior work. For work yet to be completed, LISC and CNI will partner with local contractors and pay for them to perform the work.

Businesses located in these zip codes are eligible to apply.  Businesses not listed in those zip codes may still be eligible if they operate in an economically distressed area and may apply to have their zip code included.

The program prioritizes small businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact – such as grocery stores – and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment.  The program also prioritizes the use of BEP-certified contractors, including minority- and women-owned businesses, to do the repair work. 

The department has awarded the grants.  View the list of businesses approved for a small business grant.

Corridor Improvements RFP

The State of Illinois and its community partners have released a Request for Proposals (RFP) making $10 million available for corridor improvement projects to address the ongoing needs of impacted communities.  

The Corridor Improvements for Rebuild Distressed Communities funding opportunity will support capital investment in commercial corridors that have experienced property damage. This will fund projects that will spark long-term economic growth while helping further support the economic recovery of small businesses affected by civil unrest.

The department has announced the awards granted under the Corridor Improvements RFP.  View the list of approved projects.

Watch the Corridor Improvements RFP Informational Webinar.