Fresh Grants

Closes Oct 15Rockford (business-association districts), IL

Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant)

From City of Rockford Community & Economic Development

Amount
Up to $15,000Security deposit plus 50% of rent for up to 12 months, max $15,000
Deadline
Closes Oct 15, 2027362 days left
Where
Rockford (business-association districts), IL
Match needed
No
Effort
MediumA form plus a few documents.
Apply on rockfordil.gov (opens in a new tab)

The link goes to rockfordil.gov.

Customer-facing retail, restaurant, cafe or experiential businesses opening a first or second Rockford location in a ground-floor storefront vacant 6+ months in Downtown/River District, N Main, S Main, 7th St-Midtown or E State St-Miracle Mile. Closes Oct 15, 2027. 362 days left

Who can apply

  • Customer-facing retail, restaurant, cafe or experiential businesses opening a first or second Rockford location in a ground-floor storefront vacant 6+ months in Downtown/River District, N Main, S Main, 7th St-Midtown or E State St-Miracle Mile

Retail and restaurant

Can a small business win this?

First-come, first-served for qualifying projects. requires engagement with a small-business resource and the district association.

Before you apply

Join the Oct 21, 2026 webinar. appointment-only and professional-service businesses are excluded.

Heads up

Open through Oct 15, 2027, or until the funds are committed.

Checked on rockfordil.gov, Oct 18 (opens in a new tab)

Report a problem

This is a summary. The official page has the final word.

Similar grants

Common questions

How much is Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant)?

Up to $15,000. The full line is: Security deposit plus 50% of rent for up to 12 months, max $15,000. Highest figure stored: $15,000.

When can I apply for Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant)?

The deadline on file is 2027-10-15. Check the official page before you apply. Dates move.

Who can apply for Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant)?

Customer-facing retail, restaurant, cafe or experiential businesses opening a first or second Rockford location in a ground-floor storefront vacant 6+ months in Downtown/River District, N Main, S Main, 7th St-Midtown or E State St-Miracle Mile.

Does Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant) require matching funds?

No matching funds are required on the page we checked.

Where was Spaces to Places Program (vacant storefront rent grant) checked?

Checked on 2026-10-18 at https://www.rockfordil.gov/793/Spaces-to-Places-Program. The official page wins if we disagree.

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