GRANT DEADLINE APPROACHING: Illinois Small Business Community Navigators Program (DUE JUNE 9th)
Potential Applicants: Non-profits and local governments
How Much: $100k – $2m. DCEO will issue up to 15 grants totaling up to $10 million to organizations that collectively cover every part of the state.
To ensure Back to Business funds reach those most in need – the new budget dedicates funding to expanding outreach and technical assistance. This includes the Community Navigator program – leveraging community organizations who know firsthand the needs of their area businesses, to support them in applying and qualifying for funds. The program deploys a hub and spoke model to boost participation in programs by minority-owned businesses and those in hard-to-reach communities. DCEO will partner directly with larger grantees (“hubs”) that engage with smaller local, community-based organizations (“spokes”) to provide direct one-on-one support to targeted businesses. Community navigator services will play an important role in providing technical assistance to disadvantaged businesses seeking to benefit from federal relief efforts.
Application: Apply to be a Hub: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/2561-1907.aspx
Organizations interested in becoming “Spokes” can have their interest posted on the DCEO website: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6c6bcb3e50ac436e933538ff59275ed0