Gordon-Booth Highlights DCEO State Grants Now Available

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is encouraging area organizations to check out available grants administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) that have approaching deadlines.

“DCEO is an important resource for small businesses and non-profits who could use a helping hand in growing,” Gordon-Booth said. “The grant and loan programs administered through DCEO are a critical investment that creates jobs and improves communities across the state.”

Interested residents can browse DCEO’s available grants at https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/grants.html. Grants are currently available regarding:

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), due Dec. 15: Organizations that seek to become SBDCs and provide guidance to new and existing small businesses should apply. SBDCs are an important resource for entrepreneurs, and DCEO is aiming to have coverage across the state.
• Human Services Capital Investment, due Dec. 30: For not-for-profit human services providers that serve low-income or marginalized populations to expand or improve facilities.

Additionally, DCEO continues to offer low-interest loans for small business to grow and expand. Additional information is available at https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/advantageillinois.html.

“If you’re not sure where to start, I encourage you to reach out to DCEO,” Gordon-Booth. “DCEO is helpful in walking through opportunities for residents, and can highlight options you might not be aware of.”

DCEO encourages interested entrepreneurs and businesses to call the First Stop Business Information Center at 1-800-252-2923 for free and confidential guidance.