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SBA Microloan Program.

SBA-designated nonprofit intermediaries make microloans of up to $50,000 and provide business guidance to qualifying small businesses.

Offered byU.S. Small Business Administrationverified 2026-07-10

Overview

What it does.

SBA supplies capital to approved community intermediaries, and those intermediaries make and service the actual business loans. Chester access depends on finding an active microlender that serves Randolph County and on that lender's underwriting standards.

Best for: Startups and small firms needing a modest amount for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, or equipment.

Eligibility

Who and what may qualify.

Eligible applicants

  • Eligible small businesses and startups
  • Certain nonprofit childcare centers
  • All direct and indirect owners must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals

Applicants excluded by the source

  • Applicants outside a participating intermediary's service area
  • Applicants that do not meet intermediary and SBA requirements
  • Businesses with any direct or indirect owner who does not meet SBA's current citizenship or nationality requirement

Eligible uses

  • Working capital
  • Inventory and supplies
  • Furniture and fixtures
  • Machinery and equipment

Uses excluded by the source

  • Paying existing debts
  • Purchasing real estate

Application

How to start.

  1. Use SBA's microlender list or contact the Illinois District Office
  2. Confirm that an intermediary serves Randolph County
  3. Apply directly to the intermediary and complete any required counseling

Timing: Intermediaries generally accept applications on their own schedules.

Planning notes

Limits to account for.

  • Availability is intermediary- and service-area-dependent
  • Loan proceeds cannot purchase real estate or pay existing debt
  • Terms vary by intermediary
  • Current SBA policy requires 100 percent qualifying U.S. citizen or U.S. national ownership

May complement owner equity or other financing if the intermediary permits and all uses are documented.

Evidence

Official sources.