Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program Round 3 (Application Review)

DCEO developed the Direct Forgivable Loan (DFL) Program in response to feedback from license holders that continue to face systemic barriers to accessing capital and becoming operational. Direct Forgivable Loans are fully financed by the State of Illinois. We offer a significant grace period, low interest rates, and full principal forgiveness upon receiving proof of eligible expenses.
 

All Qualified Social Equity Applicant Craft Growers, Infusers, and Transporters (as certified by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)), and Social Equity Applicant Adult-Use Dispensing Organizations (as certified by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)) that were issued a license through the 2020 application round that closed January 1, 2020, and its Qualified Applicant Lottery (held July 29, 2021), Social Equity Justice-Involved Lottery (held August 5, 2021) and Tied Applicant Lottery (held August 19, 2021), including any corrective lotteries are eligible to participate in the direct forgivable loan program. If your license received a loan in Rounds 1 or 2, you are welcome to apply. However, priority will be given to licenses that have not previously received a loan from the Department.