State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) – Climate Bank Finance Participation Loan Program is sponsored by Illinois Finance Authority (administered by Illinois Climate Bank). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) | Illinois Climate Bank State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Empowering Small Businesses for a Sustainable Future Launched in 2023, the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2. 0 (SSBCI) helps socially and economically disadvantaged businesses access lower-interest loans to grow.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI builds on the original program, with Illinois set to receive up to $354. 6 million to support small businesses statewide.

As part of this effort, the Illinois Climate Bank—designated under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)—created Climate Bank Finance (CBF) to drive private capital into clean energy projects while fostering economic growth.

CBF’s Loan Participation Program lowers interest rates (2% max, or 1% for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals & Very Small Businesses) and reduces lender risk, helping businesses expand, create jobs, and support Illinois’ clean energy transition. Incentive amounts vary based on project type. The program offers very attractive interest rates at 1% or 2% flat per annum, with a maximum tenor of 7 years.

The program minimum participation is $25K and maximum participation is up to $2MM.

Clean air/clean water projects and wastewater treatment Production/installation/servicing of wind/hydro/solar power equipment Production/installation/servicing of electric vehicles and EV charging stations Clean energy generation, alternative fuels, and new battery technologies Biomaterial production and sustainable agricultural practices Broadband expansion for rural and other underserved communities Other efforts providing environmental benefit/counter the impacts of climate change No more than 750 employees Must operate in the State of Illinois Be in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State No bankruptcies, judgements, or liens in the past 5 years Lenders: If you are interested in becoming a Participating Lender, please complete the REQUEST TO BECOME A LENDER form and send back to Francisco Galliano at fgalliano@il-fa.

com . Please be sure to include a completed and signed Form W-9 and IRS 147-C Letter. Finance Friday: SSBCI Webinar Request to become an IFA/CBF Participation Loan Program Lender Draft CBF Master Participation Agreement Draft RLOC Master Participation Agreement Case Study: Wastewater Treatment System Climate Bank Working Deck