Because they lack the ability to sell bonds, many small businesses cannot obtain adequate fixed-rate financing. Therefore, the availability of low-cost and accessible financing is critical to their success. KCCSI, in recognizing that small business enterprises are responsible for 80 percent of all new jobs, has an innovative program to help fill this capitalization need. This is the Illinois Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Loan Program.

This Program is administered jointly by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, a statewide network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs), including KCCSI, and the Illinois Ventures for Community Action (IVCA). The Program provides long-term, fixed rate financing to new or expanding companies in exchange for job creation and employment for low-income individuals. It links federal, state, and private financing by using CSBG funds at low interest in combination with bank funds and equity. By combining bank financing with low interest CSBG loans, the Program is able to offer below market interest rates for up to ten year terms.