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.
Job Creation Tax Credit Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee
Bill That Supports Small Businesses Moves Out of Committee The small business community scored a big win when the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act advanced out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee. This legislation will support small businesses by establishing $2500.00 tax credits for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that hire…
Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth To: Illinois Legislators From: Small Business Advocacy Council Date: March 10th 2025 Subject: Supporting Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Programs to Drive Economic Growth Introduction Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs have proven to be a valuable tool in supporting unemployed individuals who seek to establish their own…
Occupational Licensing
SBAC INITIATIVES PAGE Occupational Licensing Reform Resources & Fact Sheets Expand PRIOR ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language View Senate Bill Language APPRENTICESHIP ACT Download One-Pager View House Bill Language Find and Contact Your Elected Officials HERE!
