Rockford Sun

An expanded state service is available to Rockford-area small businesses who need help accessing economic recovery grant programs, State Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) said in a recent social media post and statement.

"More state help is on the way for local businesses," Stadelman said in a Friday, July 9 Facebook post.

In a separate statement, Stadelman said the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has spent another $9 million in its community navigator outreach program and that new partners are serving the Rockford area.

"Our local businesses are working hard to rebuild financial stability as we move out of the pandemic," Stadelman said in the statement. "I urge owners and managers to work with a navigator if they need help finding funding to help them return to normalcy."

Stadelman has represented Illinios State Senate District 34 since 2013 after soundly defeating Republican challenger Frank Gambino, taking almost 63% of the vote to take over the seat formerly held by Republican Sen. Dave Syverson, who had moved to an adjoining district. Syverson now represents the 35th District and Stadelman won another term in last year's general election, taking more than 61% of the vote to defeat Republican challenger Paul Hofmann.

Illinois State Senate District 34 is based in Winnebago County and also includes all or parts of Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park and Cherry Valley.

Expansion of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's existing community navigator program will leverage 13 organizations to  provide support for small businesses in Rockford needing assistance in navigating billions in financial assistance dollars, the release says. The community navigators will also perform "intensive outreach" to be sure small and hard-to-reach businesses know about the economic relief funds, according to the statement.

"These 13 organizations, which were selected through a competitive process, will work with over 100 community-based organizations based in low-to-moderate-income areas," the statement said. "The American Business Immigrant Coalition and Illinois Public Health Association will coordinate efforts in Winnebago County."

Anyone who would like more information may visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's webpage or call the First Stop hotline at 800-252-2923.