April 18, 2024
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Kish College partnership provides grants to small businesses

Greg Sibigtroth, owner of Sib’s Corner Grill in Genoa, accepts a $500 COVID-19 relief grant at his business. The grant was made possible thanks to a partnership between Kishwaukee College, the Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center and First Midwest Bank. Pictured (from left) are LaCretia Konan, KC director of Workforce & Community Education; Jock Sommese, SBDC adviser; Lesly Flores, vice president and community development manager with First Midwest Bank; and Greg Sibigtroth along with his grandson and son. (Photo provided)

Kishwaukee College recently awarded nine COVID-19 relief grants to local small businesses. Grants were made possible through a partnership between Kish College, Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center and First Midwest Bank.

Businesses receiving the $500 grants include: Le Print Express, Energize Fitness, The Warehouse on Park, J&M Productions, Marathon Fitness of Sycamore, Mellow Mammals, The Enchanted Valley Farm, Dimensions Dance Academy and Sib’s Corner Grill. Businesses are able to use grant funds for resources or items that will help them recover.

“The grant from Kishwaukee College through the SBDC was perfect timing. It was used for upgrading the fans in our dining room,” Greg Sibigtroth, owner of Sib’s Corner Grill in Genoa, said in a news release. “I feel very fortunate in starting a relationship with Waubonsee Community College, Kishwaukee College and the SBDC. In the last two months, I have received the grant, met with the SBDC, and have been introduced to several contacts, which I feel will support and help the growth of my business. I’ve been in business for one year and look forward to the many avenues they have to offer.”

COVID-19 relief grants are still available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the grant process, contact LaCretia Konan, Kishwaukee College director of Workforce & Community Education, at lkonan1@kish.edu.