Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager, and Mikal Washington, Community Relations Specialist, from the Equity and Engagement Department facilitated an informational meeting with staff from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to discuss the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant. Small business owners and entrepreneurs had the opportunity […]
2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards
On Sunday, Sept 22, 2024, City staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Equity & Engagement Department, were excited to participate in the 2024 Immigrant Welcome Awards hosted by CU Immigration Forum. The 11th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards Ceremony and Celebration was a resounding success, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant […]
Immigrant Business Showcase
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, City staff from the Equity & Engagement Department hosted the first ever Immigrant Business Showcase on Market Street as a part of the City’s involvement in Welcoming Week 2024. The event showcased immigrant-owned businesses, featuring food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event was a resounding success, drawing a […]
Small Business Networking Event
On December 14, 2023 the Equity and Engagement Department in collaboration with the Campus Community Compact hosted a small business networking event at Neil Street Blues. This event was designed for those looking to level up their small business or connect with other local businesses. This event was the first in a series in which […]
Illinois Black Business Survey
On July 20, 2023 the Equity and Engagement Department hosted Matthew Simpson from the Illinois Office of Economic Empowerment to discuss the results of the Black Business Survey and the Overall Economic Improvement Plan. This survey was conducted in early 2023 to get a comprehensive look on the state of Black Owned Business in Illinois. […]
Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant
The City of Champaign is announcing the Small Business Incentive Program COVID-19 Relief Grant! Champaign City Council amended the City’s Small Business Incentive Program (SBIP) to allow allocation of $520,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Up to $15,000 per grant is available to eligible small […]
UIUC Higher Education Diversity Business Opportunity Fair
Neighborhood Services and the Planning and Development Department staff attended the University of Illinois Higher Education Diversity Business Opportunity Fair on July 21. The Fair was well attended by both vendors and participants. It provided a great opportunity for small businesses and women and minority-owned businesses to network and learn about the procurement and application […]