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.