Sacella Smith is a veteran and is the “conduit” for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the State of Illinois. (DCEO). She has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. Her proven skills include strategy development, operational planning, performance, and fiscal management. She’s a recognized expert in nonprofit administration, workforce development, higher education, fundraising, government relations, and community affairs best practices. A pragmatic and versatile communicator, she is skilled in working with diverse constituencies and has a proven record in unifying groups with divergent viewpoints.
Smith was the Executive Director of the Youth Job Center in Evanston. They served 1500 youth annually in workforce development, job training, internship, and employment for youth between the ages of 14 to 25 years. In addition, she has served as the grant administrator for Triton Community College. She advanced their portfolio from $2.2 million to $6.5 million.
In 2022 DCEO has distributed $250 million in grants and loans to small businesses in Illinois. Sacella is a “visionary and change agent.“
N’DIGO is delighted to chat with Sacella Smith as she shared with our readers the various opportunities available to business owners.
N’DIGO: What is the job of The Department of Commerce?
Sacella Smith: It is the economic agency of the state. We help create economic opportunities for all Illinoisians by attracting job creators, fostering small businesses, and building a stable workforce.
How does your agency help businesses and not-for-profits post-pandemic when so many were shut down?
After the pandemic, the federal government allocated the Cares Acts Funding, and currently, we now have American Rescue Plan Act. The Rescue Act is similar to the Cares Act. It provides various programs and support to help states move beyond the pandemic. In addition, it is an economic stimulus bill.
What type of business are you now funding?
We now have dollars for hotels, restaurants, and the creative arts. There is a $175 million grant available for the Back to Business program, where there is $175 million available for grant funding. Hotels, restaurants, and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply.
The pandemic was devastating to many restaurants, causing some to shut down. How do restaurants apply for these funds?
All businesses have to meet the eligibility requirements. The grant is $50 million for this category. A restaurant can receive from $5,000 to $50,000 with 50 or fewer employees, and businesses that receive federal funds PPP and EIL are still eligible to apply. However, if a company received any prior state relief funding, B2B or BIG, or RIF Award for more than $10,000 in local funding like city or state, they are not eligible. The types of businesses include caterers, taverns, bars, brewers, wineries, and food trucks.
Click Here To Apply: https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b.html
How do creative arts organizations apply?
https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/b2b.html
There is $50 million available for this category. The award range is from $5,000 to $250,000. The grant is based on losses. The grant is based on 2021 losses. The types of organizations available are performing and presenting arts, theaters, museums, arts education, and cultural heritage organizations.
How do you qualify?
Businesses should be independently owned and operated as a partnership, sole proprietorship or non-profit registered as a 501C3. These businesses must be in good standing with the Secretary of State for Illinois. Companies that receive covid relief funding PPP and EDIL are also eligible. A company must be established and operating before March 2020, not after.
What are the qualifications?
There are there application documents required. They are business owners or non for profit leaders with qualifications (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). The second thing is tax returns. Specific years vary by program but may include 2019, 2020, and 2021.
When is the due date?
The application deadline is May 10, 2023, at 11:59 pm.
When will the award be granted?
Awards will be disbursed between June and July of 2023.
Is this a one-time grant?
Yes, because it is based on reimbursement, but we hope that new programs in the future will be available.
CCUO has partnered with National Community Reinvestment Coalition Community Development Fund to provide support with application review, technical portal support for applicants, and support in processing the award payment.
When will disbursements be made?
It is a timely payment in June or July.
We also have over 100 community navigators that DCFO funds available across the state to provide support to help businesses navigate the application process.
