Illinois Launches Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz Program
The application window for the B2B NewBiz program opens on November 30, 2023, and will remain open until January 11, 2024.
The Small Business Advocacy Council has advocated for a program that provides grant funding to businesses that launched in 2020 (prior to the pandemic) and in 2020 and 2021 after the pandemic began. Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have launched the Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz program, which allocates $25 million for grants to businesses that launched in 2020 and 2021 in certain industries, or businesses started by people that became unemployed during the pandemic.
Details about the grant program, including eligibility and grant sizes, can be found here.
The SBAC will continue to provide important information about funding opportunities for small businesses.
Check out more small business grant opportunities here!
General Assembly Passes Occupational Licensing Reform!
General Assembly Passes Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational licenses can create unnecessary barriers for Illinois residents looking to start new jobs. Occupational licenses can also create roadblocks for entrepreneurs that would like to start new businesses. House Bill 5576 unanimously passed the Senate and will go to the Governor! This legislation builds on the current licensing…
Regulatory Sunset Act Amendment to Help Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs
We did it! Legislation amending the Regulatory Sunset Act passed the Senate unanimously! This bill lowers barriers for licensed applicants while still addressing genuine public safety concerns. After passing in the House – it now moves on to the Governor. Click here to read more about the bill. SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein…
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: West Garfield/Chatham Pop!
“The activation of underutilized West and South side properties is a key strategy to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors with active, people-oriented activities,” Commissioner Cox said. The City of Chicago announced on Thursday, the creation of two new public plazas located in West Garfield Park and Chatham. These projects are a part of the Department of…
