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.
Restart Act
THE RESTART ACT The RESTART Act provides a new loan program to fund six (6) months of payroll and fixed operating expenses. Some, or the entirety of the loan, is eligible for forgiveness. The amount that is not forgiven is to be repaid over seven years with favorable interest rates. The loan is 100% guaranteed…
R.I.S.E. Act – A Word from RISE Fest Performers
COVID19 has had a devastating impact on many gig workers and independent contractors. During our SBAC Rise Fest, we had a chance to speak candidly with our local performers on how they’ve been affected by the pandemic. They explain the loss in their community, in their work, and how their jobs have shifted. Their stories…
Recommendation for Legislation on Minority Contracting
Illinois has failed to ensure that Black owned businesses procure their fair share of government contracts and revenue from government projects. Loopholes must be closed and reforms be made now! Read the SBAC’s recommendations for legislation to reform the process. Read the Recommendations here
