Build something that lasts. We'll help you do it.
Hilo provides funding, technical assistance, and pathways into brick-and-mortar storefronts for entrepreneurs in Chicago's historically under-resourced communities. All services are free.
A coordinated system of funding and education.
Businesses often begin with direct financial support, engage in technical assistance to strengthen operations, build readiness for larger capital opportunities, and ultimately transition into physical storefronts. This progression ensures capital is paired with operational readiness — leading to stronger business outcomes.
Hilo Growth Program
Hands-on technical assistance across financial management, operations, licensing and compliance, and marketing — delivered through 1:1 advising and workshops for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Learn more →Capital Readiness Program
In partnership with CIBC, Hilo connects entrepreneurs to low-barrier lending opportunities. We work with you on financial readiness, cash flow modeling, and underwriting preparation before you ever sit across from a lender.
Learn more →Storefront Activation (CCSA)
Hilo is the designated Corridor Lead for the City of Chicago's CCSA program on W 18th Street in Pilsen. We provide free application support, budget scoping, and submission guidance for grants covering up to 75% of buildout costs.
Learn more →Built on bootstrapping and unit economics.
Our proprietary curriculum integrates two core financial concepts into a comprehensive program covering four areas — designed to give entrepreneurs a real foundation, not just inspiration.
Accounting & Tax
Operations & Training
Licensing & Permit Compliance
Branding & Marketing
Learning tools for your business.
Templates, workshops, and how-to guides across finances, social media and marketing, operations, and HR — all available for free, designed for entrepreneurs at every stage.
From profit and loss templates to social media playbooks to step-by-step guides for opening a brick-and-mortar — every resource is built from real conversations with entrepreneurs who've been where you are.
And if you can't find what you need in our library, book a free 1:1 and we'll work on it with you directly.
Free workshops, every month.
Hilo hosts monthly workshops facilitated by industry experts — covering finance, legal, operations, and marketing. Open to the public. Always free.