ILLINOIS · NAICS 3121
Illinois brewery, distillery, and winery deals are projection-heavy by nature, with production capacity, taproom revenue, and inventory cycles all entering the lender model. Studies separate production economics from hospitality revenue, document distribution agreements, and align the file with the state's craft beverage regulatory framework.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Production capacity, taproom revenue, and inventory cycles make these projection-heavy deals where studies are routinely required.
SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders funded 156 brewery, distillery, and winery projects across Illinois between FY2010 and FY2026, moving $98.5 million in approved capital at an average ticket of $631,000. That volume places Illinois at #12 of 38 states measured for brewery, distillery, and winery SBA activity, or 3.4% of national brewery, distillery, and winery dollars. The 7(a) program carried 81.4% of the loan count, with 504 taking the balance, and 14 approvals have hit the pipeline since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 156 |
| Approved volume | $98.5 million |
| Average loan size | $631,000 |
| 7(a) share | 81.4% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 14 |
| State rank by loan count | #12 of 38 |
Among the 123 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 13.0% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for brewery, distillery, and winery is 8.1%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 13.0% adverse-resolution rate against the national brewery, distillery, and winery benchmark of 8.1% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Illinois deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $631,000 across 156 loans.
Every Illinois breweries, distilleries and wineries project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Illinois projects often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Chicago's craft density and downstate production capacity reward studies that separate production economics from hospitality revenue.
For a national view of this asset class, see our brewery, distillery, and winery SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the brewery, distillery, and winery lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$2.8M SBA 504 ground-up through Florida First Capital plus $300K state working capital
7,500 square foot brewery, taproom, restaurant, and event space, national program evidence
Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
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