Funding Resources
- National Venture Capital Association: Financing Documents -A trade association that represents the U.S. venture capital industry offers forms for venture capital investments.
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)- A program administered by the SBA's Office of Technology to ensure that the nation's small high-tech businesses are a significant part of the government's research and development efforts. This website contains news and events as well as funding information and solicitation dates.
- Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR)- A highly competitive program that reserves a specific percentage of federal R&D funding for award to small business and nonprofit research institution partners
- Peoria Prize for Creativity - Official website highlighting a $10,000 award established by Peoria NEXT, in collaboration with Arts Partners of Central Illinois, which is designed to celebrate creativity in all its forms
- Small Business Administration - Official website of the U.S. Small Business Administration with information regarding grants and loans
- Business Partners- Business Partners is a global Internet based service that connects entrepreneurs, early stage companies and established corporations with angel investors, venture capital, corporate investors, and potential partners- requires registration
- Homeland Security Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center- This center offers grant competitions including the Innovation Challenge Grant which is specifically designed for Illinois-based companies to develop Homeland Security related technologies.
- bio-Tip - A new bioscience program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), designed to help related companies become more competitive by hiring interns and upgrading their workers' career skills.
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity- This tool provides a financing matrix for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Loans, grants, and other financing programs are detailed with information ranging from eligibility to rates and fees.
- The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) - This extremely comprehensive online catalog gives you access to a database of all Federal Programs available to State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and not-for-profit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. After you identify the program that you would like, contact the office that administers the program and find out how to apply.