Business Loan Guarantee

Help Small Businesses Access the Capital They Need

The Illinois Treasurer’s Office helps small businesses secure financing to grow, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to expand access to capital for small business owners in underserved communities across Illinois.

Through this program, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved Participating Financial Institutions to provide state-backed loan guarantees of up to 25% for eligible businesses that might not otherwise qualify under existing lending products, especially those located in low-income communities with a poverty rate of 20% or higher.

How the Program Works

The program guarantees up to 25% of loans, reducing lenders’ risk and expanding capital access for small businesses that cannot qualify for traditional financing on their own.

Approved lenders may be eligible for up to $1,000,000 in total guarantees.

Why Participate

By becoming an approved Participating Financial Institution, your organization can:

• Help small businesses access needed funding
• Support business growth and job creation
• Expand lending opportunities in underserved communities
• Partner with the Illinois Treasurer’s Office to make a local impact

Who the Program Supports

This program is designed to help small businesses, with a focus on those located in low-income communities with a poverty rate of 20% or higher.

Become a Participating Financial Institution

Join the Illinois Treasurer’s Office to help businesses grow and communities thrive. To participate, banks and credit unions must operate in Illinois and remain in good standing. Businesses must employ fewer than 500 people at the time of application.

Apply now to become an approved Participating Financial Institution and help deliver capital where it is needed most by filling out a Lender Participation Application and sending it to our office.