Census Day is April 1st

There’s a lot riding on the next U.S. Census. Its demographic data will be crucial to a wide range of business needs, from marketing decisions to federal business-loan determinations. Census statistics are vital to the accurate allotment of hundreds of billions of dollars in federal resources – including $34 billion for Illinois alone, supporting schools, health care, police and fire services, roads and more.
TOOL KIT FOR ILLINOIS BUSINESS AND MANAGERS

Spring into Shopping Entry Rules:
1. Like the post on the Shop Southern Illinois Facebook page.
2. Share the original post on the Facebook page using the hashtag #IBuySI.
3. Comment “DONE” under the original post once you have completed all steps to be entered into the drawing. 
4. The contest will end at 9 am on Friday and the winner will be announced at noon on Friday. 
5. The winner will have two weeks to pick up the basket from the chamber. 

Southern Illinois area Chambers of Commerce team up each year in an effort to encourage Southern Illinoisans to do a majority of their shopping in the region, rather than traveling outside of the area or shopping online. The effort, called “Shop Southern Illinois,” features a strong social media presence where residents can learn some of the reasons it is important for Southern Illinois to shop locally and where they may pledge to do most of their own shopping in the region by using the hashtag #IBuySI.
​
Each of the participating chambers has adopted a week to raffle off a gift for those that enter through the Shop Southern Illinois Facebook Page. Everyone that has entered will be entered into the grand prize drawing at the end of the year. If you would like to donate a prize to the Shop Southern Illinois program, please contact the Benton West City Area Chamber of Commerce by April 17th 2020
 

Benton/West City Area Chamber of Commerce
211 N. Main St. Benton, IL 62812
P.O. Box 574 Benton, IL 62812
618-438-2121     info@bentonwestcitychamber.com
www.BentonWestCityChamber.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, the SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

CLICK HERE FOR ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INFORMATION

Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program

The Business Invest - Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program (“Program”) is an impact investment loan program under which the State Treasurer has made up to $250 million in deposits available to financial institutions throughout the state, at near-zero rates, to assist Illinois small business and non-profits negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The purpose of this funding is to provide vital economic support to small businesses and non-profits throughout Illinois to help overcome the loss of revenue they are experiencing. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

IDES Taking Steps to Address Unprecedented Volume of Unemployment Claims - Improved Processes to Help Streamline Increased Need for Benefits

The administration and the department understand and empathize with the heightened level of frustration this crisis has had on those wishing to file a claim. IDES is doing everything possible to support our customers and meet the demand for unemployment benefit inquiries and claims.

Those with questions or in need of assistance with unemployment benefit at this time are encouraged to visit IDES.Illinois.gov.