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 Advocacy Update
October 10, 2023 The SBAC continues fighting for policies that will support small businesses and neighborhood business districts. Here are some updates on our efforts! Health Insurance The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a challenge for the small business community. Last spring the SBAC championed legislation focused on reducing premiums for small…
SBAC Oktoberfest ’23
Oktoberfest war ganz Spaß! (Oktoberfest was really fun!) If you missed our event and would like to contribute to the SBAC, please click on the button to the right. The SBAC works diligently to advance policies that support small businesses, their employees and the revitalization of neighborhoods. ***The Small Business Advocacy Council has been determined…
Chicago Neighborhood Revitalization Caucus
This is a crucial time for lawmakers to support policies that will revitalize neighborhood business districts and support Chicago small businesses. Therefore, we have formed a neighborhood revitalization caucus where politicians from various facets of government can come together, collaborate with stakeholders, and work to revitalize local economies. We are very thankful to the following…
