CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to help local businesses take advantage of Back to Business (B2B) grants, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) has teamed up with the Small Business Development Center at Champaign County Economic Development Corporation to hold open office hours for those needing assistance with their applications.

“The B2B grant program is essential for our small business community, who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “The Champaign Small Business Development Center and I are committed to helping these businesses get back on track—if you have questions about the application process, stop by our open office hours to get the assistance you need.”

The B2B program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will award eligible small businesses one-time grants of up to $150,000 to cover operation costs, staff payroll and other expenses in an effort to make up for losses sustained due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $250 million will be distributed.

Bennett and the SBDC will be available to answer questions, provide technical assistance, scan required documents and more at the SBDC office, located at 1817 S. Neil St., Suite 100 in Champaign, at the following dates and times:

• Thursday, Sept. 16 from 8 to 10 a.m.
• Friday, Sept. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 5 p.m.

To offer even more opportunities for businesses to get help with their applications, Bennett and the SBDC will also offer these services in the Launch at the Library business center at Champaign Public Library, located at 200 W. Green St., on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business center regularly offers a walk-in coworking space, seminars, meeting rooms, and other resources for current and prospective business owners.

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CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will join the Citizens Utility Board later this month to host a free seminar and clinic where consumers can explore alternative energy options and learn how to lower their utility bills.

The seminar will be held Thursday, Sept. 23, and the clinic will follow on Friday, Sept. 29. Both events will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Champaign Public Library, located at 200 W. Green St. in Champaign.

“The goal of this seminar and clinic is to give folks the opportunity to reduce their utility bills and find alternative options,” Bennett said. “I encourage those looking for economic relief to participate in this CUB event and bring their bills to a representative to see where they can save.” 

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 CHAMPAIGN – As students return to campus for the fall semester, Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is joining the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association to offer tips to students to help prevent common campus fires and reduce fire hazards.

“With students returning to campus after being home for much of last year, and many of them being on their own for the first time, it’s extremely important for them to review fire safety tips to learn how to prevent fires,” Bennett said. “The more prepared students are, the better we can reduce fire risk.”

According to the NFPA, fires in student housing cause an average of one death, 32 injuries and $15 million dollars in property damage each year. Three out of four of those fires begin in the kitchen. The likelihood for a fire is greatest on the weekends and on weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Since January 2000, at least 175 people, including students, parents and children, have died in college-related fires, with seven of those fatalities occurring here in Illinois.

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CHAMPAIGN – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“Drinking and driving under the influence is senseless behavior and can cost a life,” Bennett said. “These types of tragedies are preventable, and we don’t want to lose anyone this year.”

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs now through the early morning hours of Sept. 7. During this period, motorists in Champaign County, Vermilion County and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware.

“It’s important that we keep our community members safe,” Bennett said. “With so many alternatives to get home safely, make a plan ahead of time if you intend to celebrate with alcohol.”

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.