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Business Invest Community Uplift Program.

CUP supplies low-cost state deposits to approved financial institutions so they can offer lower-cost business loans in designated communities.

Offered byOffice of the Illinois State Treasurerverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

The borrower works with a participating bank or credit union. Chester participation in an Enterprise Zone creates a potential geographic pathway, but the institution must confirm the business address and approve the loan.

Best for: A Chester business inside the Enterprise Zone seeking a one- to three-year lower-cost loan through a participating institution.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Qualifying Illinois businesses or nonprofits borrowing through an approved financial institution for an eligible location

Eligible uses

  • Business financing approved by a participating depository

Application

How to start.

  1. Confirm the business address is in an eligible area.
  2. Review the Treasurer's current participating depository list.
  3. Ask a participating institution about a Business Invest CUP loan.

Timing: Access depends on participating-depository capacity and lender approval.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The Treasurer does not make the business loan directly.
  • Address eligibility and lender underwriting both apply.

Coordinate with Enterprise Zone certification and disclose other financing to the lender.

Evidence

Official sources.