Business Assistance Grants 

The Business Assistance Program supports retention, enables expansion of existing businesses, enhances the City’s stock of properties that contain commercial businesses, and entices new businesses to form or locate in Des Plaines. The Des Plaines City Council recently approved updates to the Business Assistance Grant Program, enhancing opportunities to partner with the business community on new investments! Whether a business or property owner is planning a new investment or re-investment, the Business Assistance Grant Program may help fill a financial gap to make the project feasible.

The program now features three grant tiers, each designed to support a wide range of businesses and investment levels throughout our community:

• SPROUT Grant: For eligible project costs up to $20,000. The City will reimburse 50%, with a maximum grant award of $10,000.
• BOOST Grant: For eligible project costs between $20,001 and $140,000. The City will reimburse 25%, up to a maximum of $40,000.
• GROWTH Grant: For eligible project costs greater than $140,000. The City will reimburse 12.5%, with a maximum grant award of $150,000.

For more information and to schedule a preliminary meeting, please contact Economic Development Manager Suzy Aguilar by email at saguilar@desplainesil.gov or by phone at 847-391-5424. Due to building construction, the Economic Development Division has been temporarily relocated to the fifth floor of City Hall.

Check out these testimonials from recipients of Business Assistance Grants:

Tax Incentives

The City of Des Plaines partners with Cook County on tax incentives that reduce the assessment level over a period of time. All tax incentive applications must have the support and consent of the City Council in order to be considered. Many Des Plaines businesses have benefited from the 6b, 7b and 7c incentive programs. Learn more at cookcountyassessor.com/incentives-special-properties.

The City of Des Plaines currently has six Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts that aim to revitalize and invest in specific areas that have high potential for new development economic growth. Learn more about them here.

Illinois First Stop

First Stop is a single statewide resource for entrepreneurs and businesses to obtain comprehensive regulatory and permitting information. Business specialists provide professional guidance to entrepreneurs by helping them identify and navigate regulatory requirements for their business and link them to state and local resources. Learn more here.

---

Business Support Resources

Whether you are an entrepreneur just starting off or you are part of an international corporation looking to expand or add a new location, staff in the Community and Economic Development Department wants to help your business and our local economy thrive. We partner with numerous agencies to provide amazing business support services and incentives to show that locating your business in Des Plaines is the best decision. Below are various organizations that offer unparalleled business support service. There are services, programs and incentives for every stage and level of business and some of them are even free!