Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (veterans.illinois.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- Advantage Illinois - Enhancing Small Business Access to CapitalCompanies seeking access to capital to expand workforce capacity or start-up activity.
- Illinois’ Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)Pre-venture entrepreneurs launching new business ventures and existing businesses seeking guidance to grow and expand.
- Small Business Set-Aside Program (SBSP)Small businesses seeking state contracts set aside exclusively for small businesses.
- State Procurement Benefits for Veteran-OwnedCertified veteran-owned businesses through the Illinois Veterans Business Program.
- Tax Credit ProgramsNew and existing businesses across the state seeking help to accelerate growth.
- Veteran EntrepreneurshipVeterans, through IDVA in partnership with CMS, providing training and outreach.
Eligibility (general guidance)
Open to Illinois veterans and transitioning service members; some programs require a service-connected disability or recent separation. Confirm specific requirements on the official site or with an accredited Veterans Service Officer.
How to reach them
- Call the VA Education (GI Bill) Hotline at 1-888-442-4551Questions about GI Bill and VA education benefits.
- Serves all of Illinois
Next step
See every Illinois program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
Read the Illinois guideWas this resource helpful?
Source: Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, the official Illinois state veterans agency. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/entrepreneurship.html)
More verified resources in Illinois
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Peoria area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Peoria-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Peoria area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Peoria veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.