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Invest in Illinois Business Loan Guarantee.

The Treasurer can guarantee up to 25% of an eligible small-business loan made by an approved Illinois financial institution.

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

Overview

What it does.

The guarantee reduces lender risk for businesses that might not qualify under existing products. Chester address eligibility under the low-income-community focus must be confirmed by the participating lender.

Best for: A small business with a viable plan that needs lender risk support and may be in a qualifying low-income area.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Illinois small businesses with fewer than 500 employees that meet lender and program requirements, with a focus on qualifying low-income communities

Eligible uses

  • Eligible business financing made by an approved participating financial institution

Application

How to start.

  1. Ask the Invest in Illinois team which approved lenders are offering guaranteed loans.
  2. Have the lender confirm location and business eligibility.
  3. Complete lender underwriting and the program application through the participating institution.

Timing: Current lender participation and guarantee capacity apply.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • The Treasurer does not lend directly to the business.
  • Location focus and lender underwriting must both be satisfied.

Disclose other guarantees and public credit support to the lender.

Evidence

Official sources.