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.
Michael Bempah speaks about Minority Contracting on WVON
Michael Bempah, SBAC Board Member and owner of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, speaks with Perri Small on WVON about minority contracting. The SBAC is pushing forward reforms to help minority contractors receive their fair share of government contracts. These reforms are needed now! To listen to the interview, click HERE. To learn more about our efforts,…
A SAFE HAVEN
OUR MISSION: ASPIRE, TRANSFORM AND SUSTAIN A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a…
AZRA PRODUCTIONS
Azra Productions is a premier international video production company. Founded in 2018, they have had the privilege of working with organizations both locally and internationally. Yelp, United Airlines, Ford Next Generation Learning, Colorado State University, Arms of Love International and Spotless Cleaning Chicago are just a few of the amazing partners we’ve been able to…