Elgin Area Chamber Of Commerce: Illinois Commerce Update

Press release from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce:

October 19, 2021

Northeast Region Weekly Update
October 18, 2021
 
Now that we’re almost halfway through the month, it feels like fall is finally here.  But, that also means we’re halfway through our celebration of Manufacturing Month and Women’s Small Business Month!  DCEO is continuing to host events over the next couple weeks to celebrate the work across the state in these areas.  More information on all the upcoming events can be found below and on our website at dceo.illinois.gov.  I’ve also included information on National Apprenticeship Week that is coming up November 15-19, 2021.  As we’ve been discussing workforce throughout the month with our manufacturing community, there is a natural synergy to the apprenticeship discussions coming next month. 
 
The Illinois Department of Public Health released updated guidance this week regarding Halloween and fall events.  The guidance can be found here.  Please stay safe and mask up as we celebrate this fall season.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and remember We’re All In Illinois! 
 
Manufacturing Month
 
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to officially proclaim October Manufacturing Month and celebrate present and future makers across our great state. Led by the Offices of Regional Economic Development (RED), and Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), DCEO will honor one of Illinois’ largest industries. As a leader in next generation manufacturing, Illinois has a rich legacy and a robust ecosystem to showcase. We are the fourth largest manufacturing state in the country, with over 18,000 companies employing over 550,000 Illinoisans. In the years ahead, this industry is on pace to grow for the future – and this month we will educate, inspire, and cultivate the next generation of makers in Illinois.
 
Throughout the month of October, the State of Illinois, agency leaders and partners will be hosting a series of webinars, participating in events and presenting over 30 proclamations to industry leaders and the next generation of makers.  For more information, check out our website at Manufacturing Month 2021.
 
Building a Sustainable Workforce Through Apprenticeships & the Integration of Advanced Technologies
October 20, at 3:00pm - Register HERE
 
Across Illinois, manufacturers focus on building a sustainable workforce and integrating emerging advanced technology into the production process. Apprenticeship Illinois is helping fill open positions with registered apprenticeship training programs. The training provides a work-based learning environment while the apprentice earns an income and works towards a nationally recognized credential. Robotics, artificial intelligence, and the application of green processes are creating manufacturing environments to operate more efficiently and flexibility to adapt to the changing workforce.  This webinar will allow you to hear directly from manufacturers utilizing Apprenticeship Illinois and advanced technologies to address common pain points changing the future of manufacturing.
 
ADME: “Making It: Women Manufacturers Find Success”
October 27, at 10:00am - Register HERE
 
OMEE & Illinois SBDC presents Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an informative workshop experience where subject matter experts in the field of business share information with Illinois entrepreneurs to help them be successful. Listen to this dynamic panel of women manufacturers as they share best practices on breaking barriers and finding success in a male dominated industry. This event is in honor of Manufacturing Month and Women's Small Business Month!
 
Women’s Small Business Month
 
DCEO is celebrating Women’s Small Business Month through the month of October.  The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) will present virtual events featuring business resources, important topics, and spotlights of women-owned businesses, showcasing our commitment to growing and investing in women-owned businesses statewide.  Here’s a list of the webinars we’ll be hosting:
 
Resources for HER: How Illinois Supports Women Small Business Owners
Wednesday, October 13 from 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Register HERE
 
Join the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Groupon, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Small Business Majority, and the Women’s Business Development Center for Women’s Webinar Wednesday to learn about no-cost resources to help your business, such as one-on-one advising, Venturize resource hub, certifications, and additional resources.
 
Owning Their Future: Women Business Leaders Pave the Way Forward
Tuesday | October 26 |11:00 AM-12:00 PM.  Register here
 
We know women business owners and entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of the pandemic, which is layered on top of existing barriers to entry and growth. Hear from women business leaders who have broken the glass ceiling and want to help you get your business to the next level.
 
Making It: Women Manufacturers Find Success
Wednesday |October 27 | 10:00-11:00 AM  Register HERE
 
OMEE & Illinois SBDC presents Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an informative workshop experience where subject matter experts in the field of business share information with Illinois entrepreneurs to help them be successful. Listen to this dynamic panel of women manufacturers as they share best practices on breaking barriers and finding success in a male dominated industry.
 
National Apprenticeship Week Events
 
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship. During National Apprenticeship Week November 15-19, 2021, there will be daily webinars from 9 to 10 am focusing on the diverse topics around apprenticeships.  The topics are listed below.  To learn more about the series and other ways to celebrate the week, please check out the website here.   The webinar events are as follows:

• Monday:  Apprenticeship Illinois: A Learn and Earn Strategy
• Tuesday:  Creating More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Apprenticeships
• Wednesday: Apprenticeship Business Champions: Building In-House Talent
• Thursday: Your apprenticeships: Supplying Illinois’ Talent Pipeline
• Friday:  Build Your Future Workforce:  Meet Illinois’ Apprentices

 
Back to Business Grant Program
 
The application portal has now closed for this program.  DCEO is continuing to review the applications that have been received and making awards.  Awards will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.  All the information on this program can be found on our website here. 
 
Small Business Administration Program: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL)
 
The SBA has recently announced major enhancements to the EIDL program.  These program updates include the following:

• Increasing the Lending Cap: The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
• Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period: The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
• Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds: COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.

 
This program will be closing at the end of this calendar year.  While this program has been open for several months, time is running short for businesses to consider this opportunity for assistance.  The purpose of EIDL is for small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.  Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. DCEO is partnering with SBA to offer two webinars on this program on October 21st.  The morning webinar is open to all businesses to learn more about this program and the changes that have happened since the program has opened.  The afternoon webinar is targeted to our partners to learn how they can help businesses become aware and apply for this program.  Below are the details on both webinars:
 
Does your small business need cash to help recover from the pandemic? Apply for a low interest loan from the US Small Business Administration!
Thursday October 21, 2021 @ 11:00 AM

Are you a small business owner / manager? Is your business still struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic? DCEO is partnering with the staff of the SBA office in Springfield to share an update on the SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. In this 30-minute webinar, you will learn about new enhancements to the SBA COVID EIDL program including:

•          The maximum loan amount for borrowers has increased from $500,000 to now up to $2 million.
•          Loan pay back is now deferred for 24 months.
•          The eligible uses for these loan funds has been expanded.
•          Historically low interest rates.
•          Simplified affiliation requirements.

You will also learn about where and how to apply for an SBA COVID EIDL loan.
 
Who is this webinar for: Small business owners and managers
 
Register here: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e4b3a284ddf6ca207ad3b2516c841f2e1

Train the Trainer Webinar: Learn how you can help small businesses in your community rebound from the pandemic with help from the SBA COVID EIDL program.
Thursday Oct. 21, 2021 @ 1:00 PM 

Are you a local economic developer or local government official? Are businesses in your community still struggling due to the pandemic? DCEO is partnering with the staff of the SBA office in Springfield to provide a “train the trainer” webinar detailing new enhancements to the SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. In this 1-hour webinar specifically tailored to economic developers and local government officials, you will learn about the benefits of the EIDL program and how you can help the small businesses in your community obtain an EIDL loan. A live Q&A session will be offered.
 
Who is this webinar for: Local economic developers and local government officials

Register here: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6afd11b0ac266d24d3d2de897c9d3893
 
Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant
 
Governor JB Pritzker and DCEO have announced a new $50 million capital program designed to bring forward investments to revitalize commercial corridors and main street areas statewide.  The Rebuild Illinois Main Street and Downtown Capital program is part of $1.5 billion authorized by the State’s FY 22 budget to help jumpstart the state’s economic recovery from COVID-19. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be found on DCEO’s website.
  
Community organizations, local governments, and private developers are among the list of eligible parties encouraged to apply for funding. Projects will be prioritized based on: location in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA) or rural area; alignment with local or regional economic development plans; and demonstrates community support. The program incentivizes local match – with private businesses or organizations required to provide a minimum 50 percent match, and with public projects receiving higher priority if they include a local match component. All projects must adhere to participation requirements of the State of Illinois' Business Enterprise Program (BEP), designed to ensure that state-funded contracting opportunities benefit a diverse set of contractors.  The deadline to apply for Main Street and Downstate Capital grants is January 10, 2022.  
 
We are hosting upcoming webinars to talk about this program.  The information is below.
 
 
 
Rebuild Downtowns & Main Street Capital Grant Program

The Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets Capital Grant program, will provide grants of up to $3 million to support improvements and encourage investment in commercial corridors and downtowns that have experienced disinvestment, particularly in communities hardest-hit by the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis. Join DCEO's Regional Economic Development Team to learn more about this grant opportunity.
 
October 20, 2021 at 10 am
Register:  https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e8521ea84ea2b4c8c4eaf6eaa8e9ff98e
November 3, 2021 at 2pm
Register:  https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed17d819fdd0c7745630c4027eedee4b1
 
Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program
 
Governor JB Pritzker and DCEO announced a new $10 million grants program aimed at revitalizing the hard-hit tourism industry by bringing back new and returning tourism attractions and festivals to our state.  Through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) issued, tourism and festival businesses and entities can submit for grants of up to $1 million that may be used to establish and enhance tourism attractions or festivals planned for this year or next. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted with awards made quarterly and the department will have the ability to fund applications most closely aligned to eligibility criteria approved for immediate funding. To view the NOFO, please visit https://bit.ly/3fRxKgN. 
 
The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program will help develop new or enhance existing tourism attractions located across the state – including but not limited to museums, businesses, events, performances, and festivals. To maximize the impact of the program, DCEO will utilize ARPA federal recovery dollars to provide grants ranging from $10,000 to $1 million and will require a local match. The goal of the program is to attract additional visitors and overnight stays that will bring foot traffic back in communities across Illinois. 
 
Local CURE Support Program
 
Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (Local CURE) Support Program Important Update:  For local governments which still have funds available, the Local CURE statute has been updated and now permits costs to be incurred from March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021.  Local governments with unclaimed funds under the program should review the program’s list of allowable expenditures located on the Local CURE web page and review the program’s manual in order to make the most of the program’s funds.  Local CURE dollars are from the CARES Act and still require that the local government be reimbursed for costs related to mitigating COVID-19, like public safety payroll and public health expenditures.
 
DCEO is continuing to work with our communities across the state to submit their reimbursable expenses related to COVID-19.  It’s not too late to submit expenses.  The deadline to submit reimbursable costs has been extended to January 31, 2022.    DCEO has posted information on our website here.  The website also has some good Q&A documents that can help with determining if an expense is eligible for reimbursement.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  You can also reach out to our partner at  LocalCURE@crowe.com and we will get back to you.  
 
American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) for Non-entitlement Units (NEU) of Local Government – Program Updates
 
While the portal is now closed for NEUs claiming their funds, DCEO will continue to post updates on our website regarding this program.   NEUs should also keep an eye on the Treasury’s webpage for this program.  One update from this week:  The first reporting deadline for Non Entitlement Units (NEUs) is now April 30, 2022, the previous deadline of October 31, 2021 was recently revised per the U.S. Treasury.  
 
Workforce Recovery Grants
 
The new initiative is a $40 million workforce recovery grant program aimed to get more jobseekers back to work, while helping sectors impacted most by COVID-19. The funding will expand workforce training, job training and support services as well as covering basic expenses that are barriers to those seeking employment.
 
The workforce recovery grant program will utilize the state’s Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) model to boost access to education, training, and supportive services needed for vulnerable residents to successfully re-enter the labor force. A $20 million NOFO released  marks the first phase of the workforce recovery program, with a second round expected by next spring.  JTED funding will focus on hard hit sectors which have seen a labor shortage since the onset of the pandemic – such as manufacturing, healthcare, arts and entertainment, waste management, and retail.   To ensure the maximum impact of these dollars, the administration will focus on underserved populations, including those facing barriers to employment due to layoffs and those underrepresented groups from communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Applications for this round of funding are due at 5:00 pm Central Time on October 29, 2021.  All program details can be found here.
 
Team RED Office hours
 
DCEO’s Regional Economic Development Team is hosting weekly office hours on the days and times listed below.  These sessions are designed as open times that the Team is available.  The Team will provide you with the latest updates and answer any questions you may have on state or federal programs.  Feel free to drop in for any assistance you need.  If these times do not work for you, please reach out to your regional Team RED representative.  We’re always here to help.
 
Mondays from 3pm – 4pm.  Click on this link to join.
Wednesdays from 1pm – 2pm.  Click on this link to join.
Thursdays from 9am – 10 am.  Click on this link to join.
Thursdays from 3pm – 4pm.  Click on this  link to join.
 
Following DCEO
 
If you have upcoming meetings or events and would like DCEO to participate, please reach out to me.  One of our goals is to ensure information about our programs and activities is getting out to the communities and we’re happy to participate.  We continue to schedule workshops and presentations for 2021 and are now looking towards 2022, so please let us know if you are interested in partnering with us to provide program information to your organization and region.  I also encourage you to follow us on our social media channels for real time updates.
 
PC’s for People Partnership
 
PCs for People and various community partners, Illinois has launched a statewide network that will receive, refurbish and redistribute used computers to those in need. For more information, click here.
 
If you are interested in donating equipment to this program, PCs for People will accept any and all used computer equipment, redistributing what it can refurbish and recycling what it cannot refurbish.  PCs for People is NAID AAA and R2 certified, requiring the non-for-profit to practice the highest standards of information destruction, hard drive sanitization, and environmental computer device recycling along with a zero-landfill policy. If your entity is undertaking a pc refresh or you know of an entity that is looking to undertake one and would be interested in donating to this program, please let me know and we’ll help make the connection to PC’s for People.
 
Ameren Illinois
 
The 2021 Ameren Illinois Virtual Business Symposium has been announced.  The Virtual Symposium will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  This symposium is your one-stop-shop for energy efficiency — making it easy for your business or organization to learn about the latest technologies, connect with trusted energy professionals, and gain additional financial incentives to move your next energy efficiency project forward.  To find out more information on this event, please go to https://energyefficiencybusinesssymposium.vfairs.com/
 
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) ARPA Programs
 
The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced six new programs, collectively called Investing in America’s Communities, that they will execute to equitably invest the $3 billion it received from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.  This EDA investment is the largest economic development initiative from the Department of Commerce in decades and will help communities across the country build back better.

Investing in America’s Communities includes: 

• Build Back Better Regional Challenge ($1 billion) will capitalize on American ingenuity and American workers by providing a transformational investment to regions across the country to revitalize their economies.  Phase 1 deadline is 10/19/21.
• Good Jobs Challenge ($500 million) is designed to help get Americans back in good-paying jobs. The program will develop and strengthen regional workforce training systems and sector-based partnerships with a focus on programs targeted at women, people of color and historically underserved communities. Application deadline is 1/26/22.
• Economic Adjustment Assistance ($500 million) grants will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through projects tailored to meet local needs.  Applications are rolling.
• Indigenous Communities ($100 million) program will work hand-in-hand with Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Applications are rolling.
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation ($750 million) program will focus on revitalizing the hard-hit travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries and accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors.  Applications are rolling.
• Statewide Planning, Research and Networks ($90 million) grants include funding for state planning efforts as well as grants to build Communities of Practice to extend technical assistance to support EDA’s work with grantees.  Applications are rolling.

 
As part of the six programs, EDA is making a Coal Communities Commitment, allocating $300 million to ensure support for these communities as they recover from the pandemic and create new jobs and opportunities, including through the creation or expansion of a new industry sector. EDA has also set up webinars that dive into each program in more details.  To find information on these webinars and program opportunities, visit www.eda.gov/ARPA .
 
U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Communities LEAP Pilot Initiative
 
The U.S. Department of Energy Communities LEAP Pilot Initiative seeks to help communities access the economic and environmental benefits of clean energy and clean energy manufacturing. DOE will provide technical assistance services valued at up to a total of $16 million to support 24-36 communities to develop their own community-driven clean energy transition approach. The objectives of the program are to: recognize each community’s specific energy-related challenge and opportunities; support community member and stakeholder leadership in designing and implementing actions to address those challenges and opportunities; and build toward long-term community economic and environmental change and a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

Potential Applicants: Eligible communities (defined as a group of individuals, households, and businesses in geographic proximity to one another) if:

• 30% of the community population is classified as low income; AND
• High or severe energy burden (median spending of household income on energy bills greater than or equal to 6%)

As well as one of the following criteria:

• Historical economic dependence on fossil fuel industrial facilities including extraction, processing, or refining; OR
• Environmental justice communities as indicated by high exposure to energy-related environmental hazards, pollution, and toxicity from the siting of large-scale energy or industrial facilities, such as communities rated as moderate or high susceptibility on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EJSCREEN tool.

How Much: Not a grant. Competitive technical assistance opportunity.
Deadline: December 17, 2021
Apply Now
 

Northeast Region Weekly Update
October 18, 2021
 
Now that we’re almost halfway through the month, it feels like fall is finally here.  But, that also means we’re halfway through our celebration of Manufacturing Month and Women’s Small Business Month!  DCEO is continuing to host events over the next couple weeks to celebrate the work across the state in these areas.  More information on all the upcoming events can be found below and on our website at dceo.illinois.gov.  I’ve also included information on National Apprenticeship Week that is coming up November 15-19, 2021.  As we’ve been discussing workforce throughout the month with our manufacturing community, there is a natural synergy to the apprenticeship discussions coming next month. 
 
The Illinois Department of Public Health released updated guidance this week regarding Halloween and fall events.  The guidance can be found here.  Please stay safe and mask up as we celebrate this fall season.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and remember We’re All In Illinois! 
 
Manufacturing Month
 
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to officially proclaim October Manufacturing Month and celebrate present and future makers across our great state. Led by the Offices of Regional Economic Development (RED), and Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), DCEO will honor one of Illinois’ largest industries. As a leader in next generation manufacturing, Illinois has a rich legacy and a robust ecosystem to showcase. We are the fourth largest manufacturing state in the country, with over 18,000 companies employing over 550,000 Illinoisans. In the years ahead, this industry is on pace to grow for the future – and this month we will educate, inspire, and cultivate the next generation of makers in Illinois.
 
Throughout the month of October, the State of Illinois, agency leaders and partners will be hosting a series of webinars, participating in events and presenting over 30 proclamations to industry leaders and the next generation of makers.  For more information, check out our website at Manufacturing Month 2021.
 
Building a Sustainable Workforce Through Apprenticeships & the Integration of Advanced Technologies
October 20, at 3:00pm - Register HERE
 
Across Illinois, manufacturers focus on building a sustainable workforce and integrating emerging advanced technology into the production process. Apprenticeship Illinois is helping fill open positions with registered apprenticeship training programs. The training provides a work-based learning environment while the apprentice earns an income and works towards a nationally recognized credential. Robotics, artificial intelligence, and the application of green processes are creating manufacturing environments to operate more efficiently and flexibility to adapt to the changing workforce.  This webinar will allow you to hear directly from manufacturers utilizing Apprenticeship Illinois and advanced technologies to address common pain points changing the future of manufacturing.
 
ADME: “Making It: Women Manufacturers Find Success”
October 27, at 10:00am - Register HERE
 
OMEE & Illinois SBDC presents Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an informative workshop experience where subject matter experts in the field of business share information with Illinois entrepreneurs to help them be successful. Listen to this dynamic panel of women manufacturers as they share best practices on breaking barriers and finding success in a male dominated industry. This event is in honor of Manufacturing Month and Women's Small Business Month!
 
Women’s Small Business Month
 
DCEO is celebrating Women’s Small Business Month through the month of October.  The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) will present virtual events featuring business resources, important topics, and spotlights of women-owned businesses, showcasing our commitment to growing and investing in women-owned businesses statewide.  Here’s a list of the webinars we’ll be hosting:
 
Resources for HER: How Illinois Supports Women Small Business Owners
Wednesday, October 13 from 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Register HERE
 
Join the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Groupon, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Small Business Majority, and the Women’s Business Development Center for Women’s Webinar Wednesday to learn about no-cost resources to help your business, such as one-on-one advising, Venturize resource hub, certifications, and additional resources.
 
Owning Their Future: Women Business Leaders Pave the Way Forward
Tuesday | October 26 |11:00 AM-12:00 PM.  Register here
 
We know women business owners and entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of the pandemic, which is layered on top of existing barriers to entry and growth. Hear from women business leaders who have broken the glass ceiling and want to help you get your business to the next level.
 
Making It: Women Manufacturers Find Success
Wednesday |October 27 | 10:00-11:00 AM  Register HERE
 
OMEE & Illinois SBDC presents Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an informative workshop experience where subject matter experts in the field of business share information with Illinois entrepreneurs to help them be successful. Listen to this dynamic panel of women manufacturers as they share best practices on breaking barriers and finding success in a male dominated industry.
 
National Apprenticeship Week Events
 
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeship. During National Apprenticeship Week November 15-19, 2021, there will be daily webinars from 9 to 10 am focusing on the diverse topics around apprenticeships.  The topics are listed below.  To learn more about the series and other ways to celebrate the week, please check out the website here.   The webinar events are as follows:

This press release was produced by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.