Will County to Host Workshops for ARPA Economic Development Funding

Applications to support a post-COVID economic recovery are open until December 30, 2022

Will County will be hosting technical assistance workshops for potential applicants to learn more about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshops will allow for potential applicants to receive more information about eligibility, ask questions about the application process, and troubleshoot issues.

The County has dedicated $10 million of ARPA funding for an Economic Development Grant Program that addresses the negative impact of the pandemic and provides direct aid to impacted industries. The workshops are open to representatives from government entities, local organizations, non-profits, and small businesses who are interested in the grant program.

The first sessions will be offered on November 29 and will be offered both virtually and in-person at the Will County Office Building, 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432:

• Session 1: Negative Economic Impacts - November 29, 4pm – 5pm
• Session 2: Aid to Industries - November 29, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

The second sessions will be offered on December 1 in a fully virtual format:

• Session 3: Negative Economic Impacts - December 1, 9am – 10am
• Session 4: Aid to Industries - December 1, 10:30am – 11:30am

All sessions will be recorded and will be available online for those who cannot attend. Attending a technical assistance session is not required to apply for ARPA funding from Will County. Applications are due on December 30, 2022.

Programs that can apply for funding through the grant program include those managed by community groups, childcare agencies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to address affordable housing, financial services for unbanked and underbanked residents, and education.

Direct aid to impacted industries, including to both small businesses and non-profits, is aimed at mitigating financial hardship caused by the pandemic. This can include supporting payroll and benefits, costs to retain employees, and operating costs.

Attendees can learn more and RSVP at www.willcountyillinois.org/arpa-economic-development-workshops/

Virtual Session WebEx Links: 

Session 1:

Session 3:

Session 4: