CARBONDALE, Ill. — A virtual presentation from the Jackson Growth Alliance, which involves Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Innovation and Economic Development Office, is set for Wednesday, April 5, to help area businesses prepare to apply for millions of dollars in Illinois Back to Business grants.
The free Zoom workshop will be from noon to 1 p.m., and registration is available online. Everyone is welcome to participate in the webinar.
Millions in funding available
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), through the Back to Business (B2B) and Business Interruption Grant (BIG) programs, has awarded more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This week’s presentation is designed to provide information to assist eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses in applying for $175 million in available B2B funds being offered through the state’s Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant program, Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant program and the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant program. The application window is from April 5 to May 10.
All eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses that apply will receive a grant if they meet eligibility requirements and submit proper documentation as required, according to the DCEO.
Learn more about the DCEO program on the grant website.
Expert assistance
Melissa Ray Roach, director of entrepreneurship and business development at SIU Carbondale, and Ken Stoner, economic development director for the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, will present the program.
The SBDC also offers assistance through its local community navigators. For more information, email bizhelp@siu.edu or call 618-536-2424.
Event sponsor Jackson Growth Alliance unites the efforts of SIU, Jackson County government, the cities of Carbondale and Murphysboro, Southern Illinois Airport Authority and the Jackson County business community to achieve economic development goals and encourage economic and community development for Jackson County and the entire Southern Illinois region.
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