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.
SBAC and A Safe Haven on WCPT Chicago
Elliot Richardson and Neli Vasquez-Rowland on WCPT with Joan Esposito On December 3rd, Elliot Richardson, President and Co-Founder of SBAC and Neli Vasquez-Rowland, Founder and President of A Safe Haven were hosted on WCPT Chicago with Joan Esposito discussing the situation of homelessness and small businesses in Chicago. With the pandemic affecting small businesses on…
Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations
Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations Local chambers of commerce and business organizations provide crucial support to the small business community. It is imperative that Congress provide them with the support needed so they can make it through these unprecedented times and help local businesses recover from the pandemic. Over 50…
Home Based Businesses
Jumpstarting Chicago’s Economic Recovery The city of Chicago is facing unprecedented public health and economic challenges resulting from COVID-19. By executive order, by choice, or by necessity, many Chicagoans are starting and operating businesses from home during the pandemic. However, Chicago’s regulations make the home occupation license too complicated and too restrictive for these vitally…
