2027 applications open

Illinois Small Business Website Grant

Each year, two Illinois businesses receive a new website, designed, built, measured, and launched at no cost. Winners are chosen by reading every application, not by drawing names.

Apply for the 2027 grant How it works

Applications close March 31, 2027. No purchase or payment required.

What the grant covers

A complete small business website, built the same way as paid client work. The scope is fixed up front so both sides know exactly what gets delivered.

Included

  • Custom design and build of up to 5 pages
  • Mobile-friendly layout that loads quickly on any device
  • Contact or quote request form sent straight to your inbox
  • Search basics: page titles, descriptions, and local business details so customers can find you
  • Visitor tracking set up before launch, so results can be measured from day one
  • Launch on your own domain
  • 30 days of fixes and small changes after launch
  • Results check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days

Not included

  • Online store or checkout
  • Custom integrations with booking, inventory, or other outside systems
  • Writing your content from scratch (light editing is included)
  • Photography
  • Domain and hosting fees, which stay in your name and on your account
  • Ongoing updates after the first 30 days (available at standard rates if you want them)

Who can apply

You're eligible if your business or nonprofit:

  • Is independently owned or run and based in Illinois (storefront or home-based)
  • Has been operating for at least 6 months
  • Has fewer than 25 employees
  • Has no website, or one that no longer works for you
  • Can provide photos, hours, and service details within 3 weeks of being selected
  • Is not a current or past paid client

How winners are chosen

Every application is read and scored on four things:

  • Impact How much a new site would change how customers find and contact you.
  • A clear goal More calls, more quote requests, more walk-ins. Something specific to measure.
  • Readiness Time and willingness to share content, answer questions, and review drafts.
  • Local roots What your business means to the people and neighborhood around it.

How the 2027 grant works

  1. Apply

    Fill out the application form at the bottom of this page.

  2. Review

    Applications are scored and finalists get a short call.

  3. Winners announced

    Two businesses are selected and announced on this website.

  4. Launch

    Both sites go live, with check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days after.

What happens after launch

The site is free, and there's very little asked of you. A testimonial is welcome but never required. Everything else is handled on my end.

Questions

Is there really no cost?

The design, build, and launch are free. You pay for your own domain and hosting, which stay in your name. No purchase, payment, or social media post is required to apply.

Is this a raffle or drawing?

No. Every application is read and scored against the criteria above. Winners are selected by review, not by chance.

Who owns the finished website?

You do. The site, its content, and the domain belong to your business.

What if I already have a website?

You can still apply. Tell me what isn't working about it, whether that's how it looks, how it performs, or that customers can't find what they need.

Can nonprofits apply?

Yes. Independently run Illinois nonprofits can apply under the same rules: fewer than 25 employees and at least 6 months of operation.

Can home-based businesses apply?

Yes. A storefront isn't required. Contractors, photographers, home bakers, and other businesses run from home are all eligible.

What happens if I'm not selected?

Only the two winners are contacted directly. Winners are announced on this website by May 1, 2027, and if your business isn't listed, it wasn't selected this year. You're welcome to apply again in the next cycle.

Can I apply again next year?

Yes. Applications do not carry over, so submit a new one when the next cycle opens.

Official rules

  1. No purchase necessary. No purchase, payment, follow, share, or review is required to apply or to win.
  2. Who can enter. Independently owned businesses and independently run nonprofits, storefront or home-based, with fewer than 25 employees, operating for at least 6 months, located in Illinois. The applicant must be an owner or manager, 18 or older. Current and past paid clients are not eligible.
  3. Entry period. Each grant is named for the year its applications close. Applications for the 2027 grant are accepted through 11:59 pm Central time on March 31, 2027. Applications received after that are considered for the 2028 grant.
  4. One application per business per grant year.
  5. How winners are chosen. Every eligible application is read and scored on impact, a clear goal, readiness, and local roots. Finalists are contacted in April 2027 for a short call. Winners are selected by review, not by chance, and are notified by May 1, 2027. Winners are announced on this website. Applicants who are not selected are not contacted individually.
  6. The grant. Up to two grants are awarded each year, covering the work listed under "What the grant covers." Domain and hosting fees remain the winner's responsibility. The grant has no cash value and cannot be transferred.
  7. If a winner can't proceed. If a winner cannot provide photos, hours, and service details within 3 weeks of being selected, the grant may go to another finalist. If fewer than two applications meet the eligibility requirements, fewer grants may be awarded.
  8. After launch. Winners agree to a published case study, a small footer credit, and check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days, all prepared and handled by me. A testimonial is welcome but not required.
  9. Your information. Application details are used only to review your application and contact you about it, and are never sold. See the Privacy Policy.

Apply for the 2027 grant

Applications close March 31, 2027. You'll see a confirmation as soon as you submit. Winners are announced here by May 1, 2027.

Leave blank if you don't have one.
Be specific. More calls, more quote requests, fewer repeat questions, something else.

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