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City of Champaign seeks applicants for small‑business reimbursement grants; awards to be announced in November
Summary
City of Champaign staff solicited applications for a second round of small‑business reimbursement grants offering up to $10,000 for new businesses and up to $20,000 for growing businesses; the city will launch the application period in September and announce awardees in November.
Dan Sapphire of the City of Champaign Planning and Development asked coalition members to publicize a second round of the city’s small‑business reimbursement grants. Program details: the city partners with the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation to reimburse eligible one‑time capital or startup costs; last year the program reimbursed up to $10,000 for new businesses and up to $20,000 for growing businesses. Eligible costs include one‑time capital investments (for example, equipment purchases), bookkeeping and HR costs; operating costs such as rent, payroll and inventory are not eligible. Timeline and outreach: Sapphire said the city will launch the program in September with about a one‑month application window, and that a review panel will grade applications and announce awardees in November. He asked coalition members to distribute flyers and the program QR code to prospective entrepreneurs and to minority‑owned business networks. Why it matters: the program targets business creation and expansion, prioritizes minority‑owned enterprises and aims to grow employment and local tax revenues.
