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.
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Chicago Recovery Grants
“City funding will support more than $137 million in neighborhood investments.” Twenty-six new and expanded restaurants, health centers, cultural institutions and other neighborhood improvement projects will move forward through more than $33.5 million in Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP) grants announced by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and City officials. This funding is all available through…
Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Meet the Candidates Series
The SBAC hosted a meet the candidate series for the republican candidates running for Illinois Governor. You can listen to the discussions here! Mayor Richard Irvin Senator Paul Schimpf Max Solomon Jesse Sullivan Gary Rabine Senator Darren Bailey The primaries will be held on June 28th. SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland…
Secretary of State Candidate Forum
Thank you State Representative Brady, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and Alderman David Moore for joining us last week at our Illinois Secretary of State Candidate’s Forum! The Secretary of State’s office provides important services to small businesses and can help improve the confidence the small business community has in our government. Hear opening statements from…
