Cook County Awards $100,000 Catalyst Grants to 92 Businesses Positioned for Growth

COOK COUNTY, Ill.—Today, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development (BED) announced 92 businesses received a $100,000 Catalyst Grant, an initiative designed to accelerate growth, strengthen operations and support long-term success for Cook County’s small businesses.  

BED’s Cook County Small Business Source (The Source), which provides entrepreneurs with access to business advising, capital resources and informative events at no cost, designed the program to address business needs identified through its work. BED contracted Allies for Community Business and the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) to serve as grant administrators.  

"The Catalyst Grant serves as a vital resource for businesses ready to reach their next stage of development,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “By investing in their growth, we are strengthening our local economy, empowering communities and creating jobs.” 

This $9.2 million investment serves established firms with a demonstrated track record of growth, earning between $500,000 and $10 million annually, focusing on key sectors like professional and business services, manufacturing and construction. Businesses may only use grant funds to hire and/or train staff, expand or improve facilities, or purchase equipment to support growth of their operations. 

Ink Factory Studio, a creative services business located in the Avondale community in Chicago, is using funding to grow its revenue team, expand its operations and accelerate strategic growth across Chicago’s thriving business ecosystem. 

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to invest in the next phase of Ink Factory’s growth,” said owner Dusty Folwarczny. “My team and I are excited to strengthen our sales and marketing engine through strategic hires and expanded capacity. This investment will help us reach more organizations and continue building a sustainable and creative business in Chicago.” 

In addition to crucial funding, Catalyst Grant recipients will receive access to a curated list of programs and resources, including opportunities for industry-driven networking events, one-on-one business advising, meetings with capital providers and more. 

“The Catalyst Grant gives a business the critical capital needed for it to invest and transform into a thriving success,” said Erica Kuhlmann, WBDC president and CEO. “The WBDC congratulates this year's recipients, and we look forward to watching them grow, create new opportunities and deepen their impact in communities across Cook County. Their success will strengthen our region's economy for years to come.” 

The Source is an award-winning program serving Cook County’s small businesses by connecting them to capital, support and a broad array of resources within County government and throughout the region. Established in 2021, The Source has directly served more than 36,000 small businesses and has empowered growth through more than $76 million in grants to local businesses.  

For a full list of Catalyst Grant recipients, visit cookcountysmallbiz.org. 

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