The Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week for more than 50 years. There are more than 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S., which is 99.9 percent of all businesses in America! More than 50 percent of Americans either own or are employed by a small business, which accounts for almost two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. every year. These businesses generate about 50 percent of the U.S. GDP. The week is about recognizing the huge impact these small businesses have on our economy and communities. 

Tinley Park has more than 1,000 businesses, many of them small. The Village of Tinley Park loves its small businesses and realizes the town wouldn't be what it is without each and every one of them. The Village also understands the challenges that come with launching and managing a small business. Under normal circumstances, starting a small business is challenging and comes with a lot of risk. With COVID-19, the challenges have been insurmountable in some cases. 

I come from a family of immigrants, all of whom owned their own businesses in Argentina. My father and mother emigrated here, and after working for someone for a few years, decided to take the leap and start their own mechanic shop. I remember my dad working the 60 to 80-hour weeks, six days a week. I remember the struggle of sometimes living with plenty and other times not so much. As a result of the challenges and successes I saw them face, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and do it well.

I have worked in the microfinance industry, commercial banking and the small business development world, all focused on helping small businesses succeed. As the business development manager for the Village, I am able to take all of this experience to help you in whatever way we can.

We're here to help, whether that be with information on the Paycheck Protection Program, free resources for your business or a preliminary conversation on your expansion plans. To say that 2020 was a challenging year is an understatement, but know that the Village is here for you, and brighter days are coming. Congrats on your special week. We hear you, see you, and value you more than you know.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance (called Supplemental Targeted Advances) that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to one million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program is the latest SBA relief program to launch as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. For more information, please visit SBA.gov/eidl.

Businesses have until Monday, May 31 to apply for the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

The SBA also offers additional COVID-19 relief options. Visit the SBA website for more detailed information.

Sponsorships are now available for select concerts in the Village's 2021 Music in the Plaza series. The Village is offering multiple sponsorships to fit with any budget. Diamond sponsors will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

See the sponsorship form for more information, or email Special Events Coordinator Vicki Sanchez at [email protected] to check availability.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Applications became available Monday, and funds are expected to be go quickly. The application portal will stay open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. Register today!

For assistance preparing your application, you can access the following:

Visit the SBA website for more information.

The Scoop held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony today. Congrats to owners Ivan and Jesenia Rivera!

Congrats to Porte Brown, which recently was named one of the 2021 Best Places to Work in Illinois.

The Best Places to Work competition is a combination survey, study and awards ceremony established to identify the top employers in the state of Illinois. This is the ninth consecutive time Porte Brown has made the list and the sixth time within the medium employer category. The awards program began in 2006 and is sponsored by HR Source and promoted by The Daily Herald Business Ledger.

Visit the Porte Brown website for more information.