What is the Entrepreneurship Support program?
The program is intended to assist in the growth of jobs in Evanston through entrepreneurship, helping residents and local business owners to create jobs by starting and retaining sustainable small businesses. Funds can be used to cover operating expenses, equipment, licensing fees, and other eligible expenses. Read the full guidelines for additional information.

Key points of the program:

How much?

$2,500 for home-based
$2,500 for pop-ups
$5,000 for brick and mortar
What for?

Operating expenses
Equipment
Professional Services
Who can apply?
Evanston businesses
Open two years or less
Fully registered/licensed

Who is eligible?

1) Businesses with a physical location in Evanston who have been operating for two years or less and are properly registered and/or licensed with the City of Evanston. Home-based businesses qualify if the business owner is an Evanston resident. Non-residents are eligible only if operating a business at a physical location in Evanston, and must provide documentation of the business address through ownership or lease documentation which identifies the applicant specifically.

2) Completed applications must include three quotes for each service or expense for which funding assistance is requested, including at least one quote from an Evanston-based provider whenever possible.

3) Applicants must have no outstanding parking tickets and be current on all fees, taxes, utility bills and debts owed to the City of Evanston.

Who is not eligible?
Businesses that are part of a franchise operation with more than 10 locations within or outside of Evanston
Churches or other religious organizations
Government offices or agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Businesses not active / that have closed down

What are the grant amounts?
$5,000 for brick and mortar businesses to cover eligible services/expenses.
$2,500 for home-based businesses and pop-ups
$3,000 for landscaping companies located in and registered with the City of Evanston to assist with the purchase of commercial grade electric powered leaf blowers and/or accessory battery packs
An additional $1,000 may be requested to assist with with City permitting and licensing needs, including food establishment licenses, business registration, building and sign permits, or inspections.

What are eligible expenses?
Professional Services (Accounting, tax, insurance, legal)
Professional and Market Networks
Continuing Education and Key Personnel Development (Classes, workshops, training programs)
Continued research and development of products/services
Licenses and Certifications
Tools and Equipment (software, hardware, process-specific tools or equipment)
Commercial electric leaf blowers and accessory battery packs (up to $3,000 per applicant)

How do I apply?
To apply, you must complete the online application form.

Make sure you have reviewed the current guideline before applying and that you have gathered the necessary documents to upload, in order to ensure a faster review of your application.

Still have questions?
You can reach the economic development team at economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with your questions.