Loughran Cappel urges small businesses to apply for Back to Business grants

• Small businesses
• Pandemic

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging local businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants before the Oct. 13 deadline.

The B2B program allocates $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis.

“Throughout the pandemic, our small businesses have stood up to support our communities in endless ways,” Loughran Cappel said. “As I talk to small business owners across Will and Kendall counties, we must continue to work toward providing them with economic stability to help ensure they have the resources they need to keep their doors open.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The administration will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“I am excited to see businesses in our district receive nearly $350,000 in B2B grants during the first wave,” Loughran Cappel said. “This is a great first step in recovery; however, I urge local eligible local businesses to apply before the deadline.”

To highlight and support local businesses in the 49th District, Loughran Cappel has launched a small business tours series and requests entrepreneurs to invite her to visit their businesses. She hopes to meet a variety of business owners and workers, including retail shops, manufacturing businesses and businesses in the service industry – from salons to optometrists.

“Small businesses continue to overcome challenges throughout the pandemic,” Loughran Cappel said. “I look forward to touring our local businesses, hearing their stories and helping promote their contributions to our communities.”
Business owners can submit their information at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to be considered for a tour. Once an application is received, a member of Loughran Cappel’s team will reach out with additional details.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com with questions and concerns.

Loughran Cappel urges residents to renew eligible professional licenses online

• good government

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is urging residents to renew eligible professional licenses from the comfort of their own home.

Illinois residents can now renew certain professional licenses online. In addition, licensees’ renewal deadlines have been extended to Dec. 31, 2021.

“This is one small way that the State of Illinois is working to eliminate red tape and streamline the process to allow people to renew their professional licenses from the comfort of their own home,” Loughran Cappel said. “Please renew your licenses as soon as possible to avoid late fees and ensure you are up to date.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation reports that more than 150,000 licenses are up for renewal.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents to renew their licenses online by going to https://idfpr.com/Renewals/defaultSSL.asp.

Below is a list of professions whose licensees will now have until Dec. 31 to renew:

• Certified Public Accountant/Registered Certified Public Accountant
• Cosmetologist
• Dentist
• Dental Anesthesia Permit Holder
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Specialist
• Esthetician
• Interior Designer
• Orthotist
• Pedorthist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Prosthetist

If area residents have questions or concerns, Loughran Cappel urges them to reach out to her office at (815) 267-6119 or visit www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

Loughran Cappel reminds residents of upcoming Coffee and Conversation event

PLAINFIELD – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee and Conversation event, Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield. 

“The legislative process should always involve seeking the input of those who will be directly impacted by our decisions in Springfield,” Loughran Cappel said. “That’s why giving constituents a seat at the table through events like this one is crucial. I look forward to seeing everyone and hearing their thoughts, ideas and concerns.”

The event will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Boy Scout Park Pavilion in Plainfield.

This is an outdoor event, so masks will not be required, and social distancing will be observed. With questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119. Those who cannot attend can also provide input by completing a legislative survey at www.senatorloughrancappel.com. 

Loughran Cappel to host traveling office hours

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host traveling office hours to assist residents with legislative issues, hear their input and direct them toward helpful state resources.

“Feedback and input from the people I represent is absolutely vital,” Loughran Cappel said. “When I have the opportunity to sit down with residents and discuss what matters most to them, I’m able to bring their needs to the table in Springfield and help them find solutions.”

The traveling office hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Fountaindale Library, located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road in Bolingbrook.

“The work I do every day is shaped by my community,” Loughran Cappel. “I’m looking forward to having meaningful discussions with residents and learning more about how I can best serve them.”

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s office at 815-267-6119 or visit SenatorLoughranCappel.com.