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.
Relief for Small Businesses
The Back to Business (B2B) Grant: The Small Business Advocacy Council fights for legislation that will support the small business community and neighborhood business districts. We also understand the importance of providing information about programs that can benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses. Illinois policymakers have launched another round of Back to Business grants (B2B) that…
Small Business Grants for Minority Owned Businesses
It’s tough to run a small business. We know that funding is always top of mind at all times. In an effort to keep our small business owners informed of possible grants as they become available, we will list some as they become available and the criteria for applying. We encourage you to take advantage…
Daily Herald Business Ledger Articles with SBAC President Elliot Richardson
Check out all of SBAC President Elliot Richardson’s Daily Herald Business Ledger articles below 2023 2022 2021 2020 2023 March 5, 2023 Transparency will empower the small business community February 5, 2023 Making economic incentives available to small businesses January 8, 2023 Small business advocacy in 2023: Hitting the ground running 2022 December 11, 2022…
