Aid for families, job seekers & businesses

Dear Friend,

I want to provide you with some resources that will help us transition into the coming months and give relief to our local businesses.

Below, find information on broadband assistance, the Back to Business relief program, and more.

I also want to remind you that while things are slowly opening back up, the pandemic is still something to be taken seriously. I encourage everyone to continue to wear a mask, and if you can, get vaccinated. It’ll be the best shot at ending this pandemic for good!

Sincerely,

 

 

Tony Munoz

State Senator | 1st District

---

 

High-need students and families in Chicago eligible for $500 grant

Students and families experiencing homelessness are eligible for relief through the Chicago Families Forward Fund. Under this program, students in temporary living situations (STLS) eligible for STLS services for the 2021-22 school year are given a one-time $500 microgrant. Payments will be made on a per-student basis. Eligible families may register at www.cps.edu/FamiliesForwardFund by Oct. 1 or pick up a paper registration form at their child’s school.

 

Internet service discounts available for low-income families

More than 1.1 million Illinoisans lack access to at-home internet services, which can be a barrier to education and employment. To help close the digital divide, the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program offers a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible low-income households, plus a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Apply now at FCC.gov/BroadbandBenefit or call 833-511-0311.

 

Grants available for organizations preparing Illinoisans for the workplace

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers grants to community organizations that are modernizing and diversifying apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois. Nonprofits, including colleges and universities, can apply for grant funding to provide pre-apprenticeship skills training that helps underrepresented populations successfully transition into full construction and building apprenticeships. Apply for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program by Oct. 4.

 

Back to Business relief program still open for Illinois small businesses

The $250 million B2B program is now open, offering eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses. To qualify, a business must have made $20 million or less in revenue in 2019 and be able to demonstrate a reduction in revenue in 2020. Don’t wait—find a community outreach partner for application support and apply today at Illinois.gov/DCEO.

 

SBA expands Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to help more businesses

The Small Business Administration has made major updates to its COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to better serve businesses still reeling from the pandemic. The lending cap has been increased to $2 million, funding can be used for more purposes, and a new two-year deferred payment period will give business owners the flexibility they need to recover. Applications are due Dec. 31, 2021. Learn more www.sba.gov/eidl or contact 1-800-659-2955 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Grant program aimed to help Illinois tourism industry bounce back

The Tourism Attractions and Festivals Grant Program offers grants of $10,000 - $1 million to help develop and enhance local tourism attractions, like museums, businesses, events, performances and festivals, and bring foot traffic back to Illinois. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. More information is available here.