2021 Small Business Community Navigator Program
I am looking for applicants in the region, who maybe interested in this grant opportunity and assisting with economic recovery efforts. Grantees will use funding to build a team and connect with small businesses as more funding is coming. Two webinars will be held later this week and listed below. Let me know if you will attend and/or have any questions. Also share with others who you think may be interested.
2021 Small Business Community Navigator Program Notice of Funding Opportunity – Full text here
DCEO plans to award an estimated 15 grants totaling up to $10,000,000. Awards will range from
$200,000 to $2,000,000. The number and scale of grants awarded will depend on the proposed scope of
services provided by qualified applicants in terms of geography and targeted business types. DCEO
seeks to award grants such that these services – to the extent possible – are available from a nearby
provider to all targeted businesses statewide.
Well-resourced businesses have an inherent advantage in accessing government relief programs, as those companies have consultants, accountants, and trade associations that can keep an eye out for new programs and help their clients/members with applications and compliance. The Small Business
Community Navigators Program will ensure that small business relief programs can reach businesses in Illinois most in need and in traditionally underserved communities, even if they’re not well-connected.
Community Navigators will be on-the-ground service providers in communities across the state that
perform extensive outreach, marketing, and 1-on-1 technical assistance to ensure that the hardest-to reach businesses that are most in need of support are aware of resources that can help them survive the current pandemic-induced recession and thrive during our economic recovery. Programs that Community Navigators will be expected to provide support for include state small business relief grants, as well as
federal support available from the Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury, including PPP, EIDL,
Shuttered Venues Operators’ Grants, Restaurant Revitalization Grants, and others.
2021 Illinois Small Business Community Navigators Program NOFO Informational Webinar
Thursday, May 13, 2021 2:30 pm
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e595400c509d48cc70fc78223ae24de09
2021 Illinois Small Business Community Navigators Program NOFO Informational Webinar
Friday, May 14, 2021 10:00 am
https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e4290011681e94cb0d3fb430d5e432dde
Kala L. Lambert
Southeast Region Manager
Regional Economic Development
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
203 East 3rd Street, Suite 2
Centralia, IL 62801
C: (217) 836-8376
Kala.Lambert@illinois.gov
www.illinois.gov/dceo