Impact Grant

A business of any size located within the Village of Gurnee corporate limits is eligible if it meets the criteria below:

• Generate sales tax, food & beverage tax, amusement tax or hotel tax and is current with remittance of all such taxes payable to the Village
• Must be in good standing with the Village of Gurnee and compliant with all obligations
• A multi-tenant building owner with a qualifying business
• Must have a Village of Gurnee business license and be properly licensed in all other respects
• Must not be associated (including as a franchisee) with a brand of 20 or more locations with two exceptions:
• Hotels are now eligible

• • Businesses associated with a national brand that has changed locations within the Village of Gurnee during the eligible period (2020 - 2024), incurring eligible capital expenses in doing so. 

  • Excludes grocery, pharmacy, fuel stations, packaged liquor, vape/smoke, body modification establishments, professional services, and home occupations.

Funds from the Grant are intended to provide financial assistance to qualifying capital improvements that will add lasting value to the property. 

Qualifying expenses include:

• Construction, interior or exterior
• Parking lot improvements no less than resurfacing
• Capital equipment if permanently installed and to remain with property
• Patio/structure of a permanent nature
• Facade improvements/restoration
• Awning installation
• Signage - exterior - wall or monument (excluding panel replacement)
• Building -exterior repair, restoration improvements
• Lighting - exterior
• Plumbing, electrical, HVAC improvements
• Accessibility improvements
• Carryout/Curbside pickup reconfigurations, including permanent signage
• Improvement or installation of automation, high efficiency materials or permanent technology to building

The Small Business Capital Investment Grant Program is for capital improvements; therefore, cosmetic improvements do not qualify. Examples (not inclusive) of cosmetic improvements include:

• Painting
• Installation or replacement of finishes
• Sealcoating
• Most items not requiring a building permit. 
• Demolition or grading
• Acquisition of furniture, fixtures & equipment (commonly referred to as FF&E expenditures)

Otherwise, non-qualifying items may be considered at the discretion of the Village if undertaken as part of a larger, qualifying project. 

Any project expense already funded or incentivized with other public sources - federal, state, county or municipal - will not qualify for funds from the Small Business Capital Investment Grant Program. 

Improvements not specifically listed as eligible, or ineligible are subject to review and approval by the Village of Gurnee. Grants may be awarded in part if not all expenses are eligible. 

All projects approved for the Transformational Grant are ineligible to reapply for any other grant funds provided by the Village of Gurnee. 

Each applicant ensures:

• Plans to be submitted in whole including:
  • Full project outline
  • Proposal from contractor(s) for all required trades for the project. 
  • All proposed contractors must be registered with the Village of Gurnee and in good standing. 
• The applicant is in good standing with the Village of Gurnee.
• The property or entity applying has confirmed no liens exist on the proposed location prior to or upon completion of the grant-funded project. 
• The business and contractor(s) will obtain necessary permits within 60 days of award notification and will comply with all permit requirements. 
• Projects will be completed within 18 months.

Any qualifying business owner with a qualifying project may apply for the grant by completing the application and submitting it to smallbusiness@village.gurnee.il.us

1. Grant Application will be reviewed by Village Staff.
2. Notify the grantee of award in writing.
3. Upon approval of the Small Business Capital Investment Grant, awardee must gain building permit approval, and zoning if applicable, within 60 days. 
4. After receiving all required approvals and permits, the awardee shall complete the project within 18 months.
5. Upon completion of the project, awardee must submit copies of all invoices noting obligations have been paid in full, pictures of the completed project and W-9. 
6. Once all required information is submitted upon completion of the project, the Village of Gurnee will process the award within 30 days. 

Questions about grant opportunities can be directed to smallbusiness@village.gurnee.il.us.

To be considered for the Impact Grant the following information MUST be submitted with the application:

• Completed grant application
• Detailed project plans/description
• Copy of estimates from licensed contractor(s) for proposed work
• Photographs of existing location

A business/site that has reached the $20,000 cap would be eligible to reapply after a two-year waiting period which would begin on the date the final grant check under that cap is issued. Once two years have passed, the business's grant balance resets to zero, enabling further participation and investment.