There are two major events to keep in mind right now concerning local businesses. One is last week’s announcement from Governor Pritzker that the state Back to Business Grants (B2B) are moving into a new phase. After helping various existing businesses recover from pandemic troubles, the new round of grants are for new businesses. Vermilion Advantage Chamber Director Nicole Van Hyfte reminds us of the qualifications.
AUDIO: It’s for anyone who started a business between January 1st of 2020 and December 31st of 2021. And, if you have not received other funding opportunities through the pandemic.
For frequently asked questions about these B2B grants for new businesses, please go to English_IL-B2B-grant_FAQs_D2 (002)
You can also go to https://www.vermilionadvantage.com/
Applications are being taken November 30th through January 11th. For assistance, call Vermilion Advantage for help at 217-442-6201. Van Hyfte says do not be discouraged if your new business is not among the type they are focusing on right now. It’s a new program, so go ahead and apply.
Meanwhile, Friday (Nov 24th) might be “Black Friday,” but this Saturday (Nov 25th) is “Small Business Saturday.” Van Hyfte says get to Downtown Danville and enjoy the fun of small business local holiday shopping.
AUDIO: A bingo card that will be passed around downtown; that you can get stamped and can win prizes from. There’s a tent with local vendors; the library is opening up, having several specials. It’s just going to be a really fun day in Downtown Danville to shop small and support our local businesses.
During his appearance on Laura Williams’ weekly Danville Area Community College Radio Show on 1490 WDAN, Small Business Development Center Director Earle Steiner agreed.
AUDIO: It’s a day to celebrate, support small business, and what they do for the communities. Think about those little shops that are for the little league, that have the little sign to help that little league and keep it going. That’s how you give back to the community. So, by the same token, why don’t you go ahead and patronize those businesses to make sure that they can continue to do that for you.
Steiner added that as small businesses continue to recover from pandemic days, the best medicine can be interaction with local people.
AUDIO: The reality is they’re retooling, they’re pivoting, they’re figuring out all the effects from that. So, you can help them with an extra sale. That’s a wonderful thing for them. And you can do it online and order it and have Amazon bring it to you, but you’re not going to get that smile, you’re going to get that personal contact.
And by the way, to hear all of Laura’s Williams’ interview with Earle Steiner on the small business climate in Vermilion County, go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/dacc-radio-show-on-demand/
