The RISE Grant Program
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Illinois workforce. Small businesses are still struggling to hire qualified employees which has greatly impacted their operations. Illinois policymakers will need to promptly pass forward-thinking policies to help get folks back into the workforce.
The SBAC is advocating for the passage of The RISE Grant Program - HB4455. This legislation connects those interested working in a new field or industry with small businesses struggling to hire new employees. Importantly, HB4455 offsets the costs associated with on-the-job training at the inception of the employer-employee relationship. The legislation provides funding for $5,000 grants which can be awarded to businesses that (1) retrain and hire employees that lost their jobs or businesses because of the pandemic; (2) employ less than 50 employees; and (3) create a new net job.
Illinois received over $8 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act funds. The SBAC contends a responsible portion of those funds should be used to support small businesses struggling to hire new employees. This legislation allocates $250,000,000 in funding for this new grant program. This legislation connects those interested working in a new field, in part, facilitated by the pandemic, with small businesses that are struggling to hire new employees. HB4455 creates opportunities for small businesses, while helping get people back into the workforce.
Chamber Relief
The SBAC was thrilled that policymakers enacted a program to support Illinois chambers of commerce still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Here is the link to our initial blog about this program and the corresponding appropriation of funding allocated in the budget. Here is the latest information we have received from the Department of…
Byline Bank – Insights
Byline Bank’s Insights We all need more “Insight” into what makes a business successful and how to get there. We are proud to highlight our partner, Byline Bank, and their professional insight into achieving financial success. How Business Leaders Can Play to the Strengths of Their Team 5 Strategies for Growing Your Business How to…
Town Halls to Support Local and Small Businesses
We’re excited to announce a series of free community town halls focusing on policies that help revitalize neighborhood business districts and support small businesses. These town halls are designed to be informative, and interactive, and to bring communities together. Members and business owners are encouraged to further learn how the SBAC and a coalition of…
