Harris: Business owners can always learn something new

Encourages businesses to take advantage of Build Block of Success Workshops

DOLTON – To help businesses become Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certified, State Senator Napoleon Harris is encouraging them to participate in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s free virtual Building Block of Success Workshops.  

“Business owners can always learn something new to improve their performance, regardless if its admin, marketing, branding, product development, accounting or e-commerce,” Harris said. IDOT is providing a wonderful free opportunity to do that, and I encourage businesses to participate.” 

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Harris: 20 local business have received financial relief, more need to apply

DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is thrilled to learn 20 local businesses have been awarded funding through the Business Interruption Grant to help counter the financial struggles that have been endured throughout the pandemic. 

“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating. Small businesses are the backbone of our society and supply many jobs for local community members,” Harris said. “More business should apply for this grant opportunity in order to receive financial assistance.”  

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Harris urges businesses to apply for second round of relief funding 

DOLTON – As local businesses continue to see financial losses from the COIVD-19 pandemic, State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) urges small business to apply for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants. 

“Small businesses need our support – now more than ever. They are a pillar of our local economy, and our state made it a priority to ensure they stay afloat,” Harris said. “I encourage small businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.” 

Applications for the second round of the BIG program are available now and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate and in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website at Illinois.gov/dceo.

Harris supports increasing Black vendor procurement opportunities

DOLTON – As a diversity advocate and Black-owned business supporter, State Senator Harris, III (D-Harvey) echoed the importance of increasing the number of opportunities for Black vendors to do business with the state.

“Every local government, industry, and statewide project should include vendors from diverse backgrounds,” Harris said. “Diverse businesses typically encounter barriers that challenge their startup and sustainability efforts. However, our supplier diversity strategies can improve their procurement opportunities.”

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