National Small Business Week: April 28 - May 4

Attend the FREE Virtual Summit!

National Small Business Week takes place April 28 - May 4, 2024, and is when the SBA officially recognizes the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year’s activities include in-person events and an educational virtual summit on a variety of business topics.

On April 30 – May 1, 2024, the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE will host the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit.

This event will feature a range of educational webinars, exhibition booths, complimentary business resources, various networking opportunities, and professional guidance from SCORE mentors.

This virtual summit, which spans two days, is open and free for everyone, though registration is necessary and will include:

• Practical, actionable insights ready for immediate application to your business.
• Professional advice to guide you through your business journey.
• A selection of downloadable resources for your business to use when needed.
• Opportunities for networking with fellow business owners nationwide.

Learn the history of National Small Business Week, discover how your small business can celebrate National Small Business Week, find resources from the SBA, 

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Upcoming Business Webinars & Seminars

The Village website has a Business Webinars & Seminars section that is constantly updated!

Take a look at just a few of the upcoming seminars this month:

April 3 - May 15:  Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

April 10:  Restaurants: Managing Cashflow, Capital Readiness, and the 5 C's of Credit

April 10:  Starting Your Business in Illinois

April 25:  Marketing Automation 101

To regularly see all upcoming events, visit the Village's website, click on BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT, then Business Webinars & Seminars under the Business Resources column.

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UPDATE on the "One Fair Wage" Law

SB 3776 Blue Star Restaurant Program and

HB 5345 Minimum Wage-Gratuity Wage

We are highlighting two pieces of legislation that may be important to our restaurants. Two bills were recently filed in the Illinois General Assembly that would implement requirements on a statewide basis. The "One Fair Wage" ordinance requires employers in the State of Illinois to pay tipped workers a full minimum wage, with tips on top.

SB 3776 Blue Star Restaurant Program Act

This bill would make several changes to the "tipped minimum wage" and create a new Blue Star Restaurant Program to recognize restaurants that voluntarily decide not to take tips. The proposal would phase out the tipped wage over time and set requirements for how tips would be treated by employers. 

HB 5345

Similar to the above bill, this bill would amend the Minimum Wage Law to require restaurants to pay the full minimum wage by January 1, 2025.  This one does not create a phase in period or a recognition program for restaurants that don't accept tips.

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Façade Grant Program

Financial Assistance for Commercial Properties in TIF Districts 3, 4, and 5

The Village has approved grant funds for improving the exterior facades (face) of existing commercial buildings. The Façade Grant Program has been created for all eligible businesses and commercial properties in TIF Districts 3, 4, and 5 (a map is available on our website):

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs will be reimbursed (up to $25,000 or up to $100,000 for shopping malls)
• Minimum project cost should be at least $5,000
• Landscaping can be up to 30% of grant amount
• $10,000 for landscaping only grants
• Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis

Eligible Improvements:

• Awnings & canopies
• Exterior walls/doors/windows/shutter/downspouts
• Exterior building materials
• Stairs, sidewalks, porches, railings, colonnades
• Signs (in conjunction with a comprehensive façade improvement project)
• Outdoor seating areas
• Landscaping
• Fencing
• Dumpster enclosure
• Screening of mechanical equipment/utilities at grade level or on the roof
• Code improvements

For more information, please call Community Development at 630-823-5780 or go to https://www.hpil.org/1054/Facade-Grants

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Support Local Restaurants on the

Hanover Park To-Go page

Restaurants: Post Your Menu, Specials, and Attract Customers!

Customers:  Post your positive experiences and food pics at Hanover Park restaurants you visit

Our new Facebook page for restaurants and residents is growing!

Want to promote and market your restaurant to people in and near Hanover Park? Look no further…Hanover Park To-Go’s Facebook page is where you need to be!  Join today and begin posting and promoting your restaurant today. It's EASY!

Have you visited a restaurant in Hanover Park during restaurant week? Leave your feedback and food pics on the Hanover Park To-Go page!

The Village created this Facebook page so local restaurants can post about their food and specials, and customers can compliment and give recommendations for restaurants they have visited in Hanover Park.

Ready to Join? Go to Hanover Park To-Go Facebook page or search for it in the Facebook search box. Once on the page, click JOIN. That's it! Help your restaurant grow, promote your menu and specials, and bring in more customers!  Please note: this page is for restaurant-related posts and reviews only.

We also have a list of all dining options in Hanover Park, visit Shop Local!

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You're Invited to Attend an EDC Meeting!

Businesses are welcome to attend our monthly Economic Development Committee meetings

The Village has an Economic Development Committee (EDC) with representatives from local businesses that meet once a month to discuss ways the Village can help our business community. The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is a voice for local businesses.  

Every second Tuesday of the month, the EDC meets to provide the business perspective on policies, business-related regulations and projects aimed to grow the local economy. Ideas are discussed to create an environment to attract and retain quality commercial and industrial businesses to the Village, increase local sales and real estate revenues, create new employment opportunities, diversify the local economy, and enhance the community's image - all of which benefit our residents and visitors.   

EDC meetings are open to the public.  As a business or property owner, you are invited to attend the EDC meetings, which are held every second Tuesday of the month at the Hanover Park Village Hall, 2121 Lake Street, Room 214 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm.  Lunch is provided. Please contact Community Development if you wish to attend at CDevelopment@hpil.org or call 630-823-5780

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