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Business Assistance and Incentive Programs
Skokie offers three assistance programs available to businesses dependent on qualifications.
Click on the program names below to determine whether they are right for your business.
Have you been in business in Skokie prior to January 2019?
Do you have a Certification of Occupancy or an equivalent business license from the Village of Skokie?
If you answered yes to the above questions and your business is woman-owned, minority-owned and/or low-income, you may be eligible for the Skokie Emerging/Start-up Business Assistance (SESBA)
The Village of Skokie has allocated funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist Skokie-based businesses (particularly business owners who qualify as women-owned, minority-owned, and/or as low-income) who have been negatively impacted by closures, revenue loss or disproportionate economic hardships in their growth or establishment due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Apply Now
Questions? Contact Justin Malone, Neighborhood & Housing Coordinator at (847) 933-8411
Are you a business located in Skokie's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District?
The TIF Assistance Renovation Program (TARP) is intended to beautify buildings that enhance the Downtown experience of shopping, dining, and enjoying Skokie. Property owners or tenants can recover 50% of renovation costs up to $50,000 for a building 100 feet wide, or $100,000 for a building over 100 feet wide or a corner with two prominent entrances for both exterior and interior improvements.
Properties must be first floor and complement the building's architectural style. Eligible expenses must result in fixed capital improvements that are built into commercial space and remain with the property regardless of change of use. Examples include
- All general rehab resulting in fixed capital improvements
- Building materials
- Fixtures
- HVAC and major kitchen equipment
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Building permit fees
- Tuck-pointing and masonry repair
- New windows and doors
- Cornice repair or replacement
- Rebuilding front walls and foundations
- Improving display areas and lighting
In addition, signage and/or awnings are allowed a 15% rebate on such costs.
Brokers Bonus Program
Real estate brokers are eligible for up to $5,000 in a special bonus for the lease or sale of commercial space in Downtown Skokie for a restaurant or retail use. Leases must be for a minimum of five years, and the bonus is only paid upon occupancy for at least six months. The bonus cannot exceed 5% of the value of the lease.
Apply Now
Questions? Contact Justin Malone, Neighborhood & Housing Coordinator at (847) 933-8411
Are you a business NOT located in Skokie's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District?
The Retail Enhancement Program is intended to enhance the overall marketability and stability of the Village's primary and neighborhood commercial areas. This program is designed to spur redevelopment and enhance properties along the primary commercial corridors not currently included with the West Dempster, Downtown Science and Technology, or Oakton-Niles TIF Districts.
This rebate program is being offered on a competitive (first-come, first-served) basis and limited to ground floor commercial space within any areas zoned B1, B2, B3, NX, TX, or CX.
Eligible property owners or tenants may apply for the interior and exterior 60/40 cost sharing program for retail improvements. Approved expenses are capped at $30,000 for both interior and exterior with an overall cap of $50,000.
Architectural/design fees are also eligible for reimbursement up to $3,500 in addition to the interior and/or exterior grant totals.
Apply Now
Questions? Contact Justin Malone, Neighborhood & Housing Coordinator at (847) 933-8411
Application Process
- Funding for all programs are paid as a rebate upon completion of the work.
- Under no circumstances are monies paid up front prior to any work beginning.
- All applications must be approved in writing from the Village of Skokie and in advance of any work commencing.
- Applications must be dated, include a description of the business and the intended improvements.
- The application also must include before photos and two bids for all intended improvements other than architectural/design fees.
Next Steps and Questions?
For more details on these programs or to apply for assistance, please contact the Economic Vitality division at 847-933-8447 or e-mail EconomicVitality@skokie.org.