How Certification Can Boost Your Business

Learn the What, Why, and How of Certification

June 16 @ 10am - 12pm

workNet DuPage, 2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 302, Lisle lL

Socially and economically disadvantaged businesses: 
Choose DuPage is hosting a workshop just for you!

Go to How Certification Can Boost Your Business - Choose DuPage for more information and to register.

Join other local businesses as you learn how to open new opportunities through Certification. Experts will be on-hand to explain how business can obtain the U. S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Program Certification and answer questions about the process.

The 8(a) program can be a valuable tool for experienced socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners, who have already been in business for at least two years or more, and are interested in growing their footprint into the federal marketplace. Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

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Federal Funding for Small Businesses

The State Small Business Credit Initiative

On December 6, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that Illinois will receive up to $354.6 million to administer four programs as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The programs include:

•  Advantage Illinois - an existing program which provides low-interest loans to small businesses; in 2022, 71% of these loans went to businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, or people with disabilities 
• Advantage Illinois' new Loan Guarantee Program - which will support businesses that have had difficulty receiving loans by using funds to guarantee a percentage of loans provided by partner lender.
• INVENT Venture Capital Program (VCP) - a new direct equity program that will focus on investing in businesses in key industries such as agriculture, ag tech, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing and more
• Climate Bank Finance Loan Participation Program - which will issue loans to small businesses in the clean energy sector.

SSBCI was reauthorized as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and provides $10 billion to states for assistance to small businesses. Illinois is one of seven states approved to receive funding. The press release with additional information on the announcement was released by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Grant programs will launch soon. Interested businesses should fill out the form linked below to receive additional information and updates when the programs are launched.

For more information and to receive updates when the programs are launched, go to:

https://form.jotform.com/223395045936058 

Looking to Install a Sign for Your Business?

Most Signs Require a Permit!

Here are a few rules to be aware of:

• Window signs may not be larger/cover more than 50% of any one window
• A-frame signs require permits and must be kept near the business and off of the parkway, and must by removed by the close of each business day
• Grand Opening signs are allowed, but also require a permit

• Marquee, scrolling, flashing or crawling signs
• Box signs over 12 inches in height
• Inflatable signs, pennants or feather signs
• Painted wall signage
• Pole-mounted, roof top and vehicle signs

* Please also remember to remove any bird nests from any signs or letters
For more details, you can review the Hanover Park Sign Code here:
https://library.municode.com/IL/Hanover%20Park/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CH6SICO

Take Your Business to the NEXT Level

Next Level Northwest can help you succeed

Have you thought about ways to get your business to the next level - increasing your brand awareness, revenues and success?  FREE help is here for you and your business. NLNW offers free coaching, training and support in any area of business you need help with.

This valuable one-on-one coaching program can make YOU their next success story. You can read about their recent success stories and apply here:  www.nextlevelnorthwest.org/apply-now.  See what they can offer you!

Questions?  Need help applying?  Call Community Development at 630-823-5780 or email us at  CDevelopment@hpil.org and we can get your started AND help you through the entire application process.