Skip to content

The RISE Grant Program

RISE Small Business Package

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.

 

VIEW THE FULL ILLINOIS HOUSE BILL HERE

Insights Archive

5/3 Bank – Insights

By Nic | February 11, 2025

5/3 Bank – Insights We all need more “Insight” into what makes a business successful and how to get there. We are proud to highlight our partner, 5/3 Bank, and their professional insight into achieving financial success. Follow this link to view all of 5/3 Bank’s Insights or view snippets of the three most relevant…

Common Sense Licensing Reform

By patti@sbacil.org | January 30, 2025

SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE COMMON-SENSE LICENSING REFORM There are 132 occupational licenses in Illinois. Let’s reflect on that for a moment and consider whether there are ways to protect the safety, welfare, and health of the public without needlessly hurting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The red tape associated with monitoring and enforcing all these licenses also…

Small Business Impacts of New Rules

By emma@sbacil.org | December 24, 2024

SBAC INITIATIVES PAGE Small Business Impacts of New Rules Find and Contact Your Elected Officials HERE! Resources & Fact Sheets Expand Download Quick Fact Sheet Download One-Pager    

Scroll To Top