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Business Opportunities

Pismo local businesses seeing economic growth with surfing competition in town

By Dorothea 8 months ago

The 2021 Para-surfing Championship brought hundreds of people including staff, volunteers, competitors, and spectators for the first time in Pismo Beach. Local businesses benefited from the week-long event.

The host this year is Amp Surf and the founder, Dana Cummings, said it has created opportunities for businesses every day.

“A lot of people coming into town, coming to support local businesses. so every day when this event is done all these athletes, coaches, trainers, family members they’re going out to town and they’re getting their dinners at Cool Cats, Splash Café,” said Cummings.

With COVID-19 still looming around, the 2021 Para-surfing Championship brought in more tourism and foot traffic to local businesses.

“I think it’s been a good impact. With COVID still around helps keep business afloat and helps keep people buying stuff and helps keep them interested in the businesses down here,” said Jacob San Diego, a retail associate.

Business Opportunities

DOWD: Mattoon businesses encouraged to apply for Back to Business recovery program | Local

By Dorothea 12 months ago

The Mattoon Arts Council has a new feature artist display area in the north entrance corridor at the Cross County Mall.

ROB STROUD, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER

The state of Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have created a new program to help businesses which were hit the hardest by the pandemic.

The Back to Business (B2B) economic recovery program provides grants for businesses that were adversely affected by the pandemic with grants from $5,000 up to $150,000 to cover operating costs, staffing and/or overhead costs.

The B2B grants are to be focused on the hardest-hit businesses, including entertainment venues, salons, hotels, fitness centers, bars and restaurants. However, other businesses are welcome to apply as well. DIA’s, or Disproportionately Impacted Communities, which include all of Coles County, are also given priority.

To assist

Business Opportunities

Watch now: Decatur businesses have help with employee quest | Local

By Dorothea 1 year ago

DECATUR — Shane McDermith, of Shaner’s Towing, learned about the various options available to his business during the Decatur Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday at the Decatur Club.

Like many businesses throughout the country, McDermith said he has been in need of employees since before the pandemic.

“I’m just looking forward to having a life again,” he said. “We’re the night shift and the day shift.”

The breakfast was an opportunity for businesses to learn more about Workforce Investment Solutions and other agencies able to connect employers with future employees.

Annamarie Dorr, Central Illinois Regional Workforce Development manager, explained the resources available to businesses during one of their more challenging times.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is a public workforce program that is federally funded to help employees prepare for high quality jobs and employers find skilled workers. “The purpose is to support local and

Business Opportunities

Local businesses team up to create school drive, GoFundMe for kids | News, Sports, Jobs

By Dorothea 1 year ago

contributed photo
Dylan and Kelsey Schumacher, Mason Williams and Tiffany Harris have teamed up with several local businesses to help kids in Marshalltown with school supply needs.