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.
Town Halls to Support Local and Small Businesses
We’re excited to announce a series of free community town halls focusing on policies that help revitalize neighborhood business districts and support small businesses. These town halls are designed to be informative, and interactive, and to bring communities together. Members and business owners are encouraged to further learn how the SBAC and a coalition of…
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 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2024 January 14, 2024 Robust engagement by the small business community paved the way for big legislative victories last year. 2023 December 10, 2023 Politicians should remember Small Business Saturday October 15, 2023 How small businesses…
5/3 Bank – Informational Articles
Fifth Third Bank – Commitment to Small Business SBAC partner Fifth Third Bank is committed to the success of small businesses. Because “small” is a misnomer for driving the economy and creating jobs in local communities as they have a “big” impact. Fifth Third partners with small businesses to provide the lending, lines of credit,…
