SPRINGFILED – As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) chaired a meeting for the Special Committee on Pension Investments on Thursday to discuss the importance of achieving diversity goals for pension investment managers with representatives from various Illinois pension funds. 

“In order to begin to bridge historical disparities, existing industries need to give minority firms a chance to enter the market,” Harris said. “Allowing Illinois pension funds to move at their own pace has not achieved spring of diversity we were anticipating, so we must now redouble our efforts in order to meet those goals.”

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.” 

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.”  

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.