Over the past several months, we have witnessed a level of devastation among our neighborhood small businesses unlike anything we’ve seen before. Foot traffic and sales have dropped. Many businesses are operating with limited staff. For business owners, every single day has become a test of strength, resilience, and resourcefulness.

That is why the IHCC is launching a microgrant program, an immediate and focused effort to raise funds that will be distributed directly to the businesses in our community that need help now. These grants will provide a much-needed boost to help cover rent, pay employees, or replenish essential inventory.

This Giving Tuesday and beyond, we are asking you to invest in the small businesses if you value the hard work, sacrifice, and community they represent, this is your opportunity to take action.

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses meet the extraordinary challenges presented by federal immigration enforcement activities targeting Latino communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs, offering enhanced business support services and workshops. Now, the IHCC Foundation (501c3) is sponsoring a microgrant program to help small businesses that have suffered. We need your help to fund the program, which will offer $1,000 microgrants that will then be distributed to affected businesses. 

Your tax-deductible donation will help the Chamber begin distributing these microgrants during the critical holiday season.

The impacted businesses may include:

• Brick-and-mortar shops facing reduced foot traffic, 
• Street vendors experiencing fewer work hours, 
• Seasonal construction or landscaping businesses whose workforce and schedules have been disrupted.

The tax-deductible donations will fund microgrants of $1,000 to eligible Illinois businesses that are registered and in good standing with the state. Additional details for donors and applicants, including eligibility criteria, are listed below. 

For those who would like to apply for the grant click here: 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be in business for at least 2 years and in good standing with thte State of Illinois
• Businesses with 10 or less employees (only one business / location per owner eligible) 
• Financial documentation demonstrating an overall revenue loss of at least 10% during the peak of federal immigration raids (Aug 1, 2025 – Oct. 31, 2025) compared to the same dates in 2024.) i.e. bank statements, balance sheet, Quickbooks generated P&L report)
• Brief explanation of how the increased levels of federal enforcement activity in your neighborhood had led to a decrease in revenue for your business