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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!

Insights Archive

Occupational Licensing Reform

By growthzone | September 14, 2021

Occupational Licensing Reform Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license. Regulatory Sunset Review – HB5576 This legislation amends the Regulatory…

Illinois policymakers need to allocate rescue plan grants to help struggling businesses.

By growthzone | September 13, 2021

The SBAC is advocating to ensure struggling and qualified businesses across Illinois have access to Back to Business grants. This means making sure the grant program is adequately funded. Read Elliot’s article in The State Journal-Register here. Please translate this page to the language of your choice. Supporters Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr…

Calling for IL Occupational Licensing Reform

By growthzone | September 8, 2021

Occupational licenses should protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Unfortunately, some occupational licenses are unnecessary and burdensome. They create unwarranted barriers for Illinois entrepreneurs and those interested in working in new professions. Needless occupational licenses also keep people from moving to Illinois. Needless occupational licenses, or those which are overly restrictive, also…

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