Economic Development Blogs | Illinois Extension

Supporting local businesses during COVID-19

April 2, 2020

Rural community and economic development professionals are working furiously to share the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This information includes closings, new regulations, government orders, and information about resources for businesses. Local offices rely on various levels...

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Illinois Hospitality Emergency Grants

March 26, 2020

Illinois has announced $14 million for the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program. Grant funds are available to support working capital, such as payroll and rent, as well as job training, retraining, and...

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How You Can Apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans

March 23, 2020

Updates from the SBA webinars SBA is encouraging small businesses and nonprofits interested in the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to...

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Understanding low-interest loans: SBA Disaster Assistance

March 20, 2020

UPDATE: The State of Illinois has received a federal disaster designation, allowing Illinois businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis to apply for low-interest loans from the US Small Business Administration. SBA’...

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Financial first aid for small business: SBA Disaster Assistance

March 19, 2020

Many small business owners, especially those required to close, are wondering how to finance their businesses during these difficult times. This series, Financial First Aid, will provide accurate and credible information for small business owners attempting to...

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What Lenders in the U.S. are saying about the Ag Economy

December 18, 2019

There is a lot of discussion surrounding the Agricultural Economy right now and its potential impact on both farmers and rural communities. In late summer 2019, the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac collaborated on a survey. Over 450 bank managers, executives and Ag Lenders...

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