Businesses have until the end of day on Wednesday, Oct. 13 to apply for the first round of the Back to Business (B2B) grant program, which is allocating $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to help small businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses.

Visit the DCEO website for more information or to apply.

In celebration of Manufacturing Month this October, the Village of Tinley Park would like to thank its many manufacturing businesses for all they bring to the community.

Illinois is the fourth-largest manufacturing state in the country, with more than 18,000 companies employing more than 550,000 Illinoisans. Throughout October, the State of Illinois, agency leaders and partners are hosting a series of webinars, participating in events and presenting proclamations to industry leaders and the next generation of makers.

Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website for more information.

The Village is accepting sponsorships for the 2021 Downtown Tinley Boo Bash, which will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24 at the Oak Park Avenue train station. The event generally draws about 7,000 people every year.

Business BOOth sponsorships are available for $100. Each business BOOth will need to supply either at least 2,500 pieces of candy or provide free entertainment at their booth (such as a face painter, balloon artist, etc.) There are also food and snack vendor opportunities available.

Visit the Village website to download and fill out the sponsorship forms. For other questions, please contact Special Events Coordinator Vicki Sanchez at (708) 444-5044 or vsanchez@tinleypark.org.

If you're a Tinley Park business that's looking for a great opportunity to get exposure to thousands of people this holiday season, consider sponsoring the 15th annual Downtown Tinley Holiday Market from December 3 to 5.

The event typically attracts about 15,000 to 20,000 visitors throughout the entire weekend and includes a tree lighting ceremony with a community sing-a-long, live music and entertainment, a professional ice-carving demonstration, photos with Santa, old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage rides, two parades and more! Sponsorships are available exclusively to Tinley Park businesses through October 20.

The Village is also accepting applications for the Tinley Toyland Parade, which will take place at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 along Oak Park Avenue, ending at the Holiday Market. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy which will be donated to a local charity.

Learn more on the Village website, or feel free to email Special Events Coordinator Vicki Sanchez at vsanchez@tinleypark.org with any questions.