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.
New PPP Rules for Sole Proprietors and Businesses with 20 or fewer Employees
New PPP Rules for Sole Proprietors and Businesses with 20 or fewer Employees From February 24th to March 9th, the Small Business Administration will accept applications for PPP loans for sole proprietors and businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The move is meant to make it easier for businesses with few or no employees –…
Legislation to Help Black Owned Businesses Receive a Fair Share of State Contracts
READ H.B 2629 HERE TAKE ACTION Black Owned Businesses Deserve Access to Government Contracts Illinois has failed Black and African American owned businesses by failing to provide them access to state contracts. For too long, they have been denied a fair share of state contracts and revenue. Legislation has been filed to ensure Black and…
Home Based Businesses
Jumpstarting Chicago’s Economic Recovery The city of Chicago is facing unprecedented public health and economic challenges resulting from COVID-19. By executive order, by choice, or by necessity, many Chicagoans are starting and operating businesses from home during the pandemic. However, Chicago’s regulations make the home occupation license too complicated and too restrictive for these vitally…
