Orland Park, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today hosted a Federal Grant and Contracting Supermarket to connect area professionals, business owners, and community leaders with opportunities to expand and create local jobs.  At the Orland Park Civic Center, more than 300 businesses shopped for federal grants, learned how to contract with the federal government, received guidance on exporting their products and services abroad, and gained expert advice on grant writing.

           “Businesses in our community are facing extraordinary challenges in today’s economic climate,” said Biggert.  “Credit is tight, sales are slow, and rising uncertainty about federal tax hikes and new mandates is not helping.  That’s why we want all of our local business owners to be aware of opportunities that may exist from federal grants, contracts, and export assistance that can help to expand and create jobs.  I was very pleased to work with the Village of Orland Park and the Orland Chamber of Commerce to bring representatives from federal agencies here where they can provide one-on-one advice to local employers, enabling them to take advantage of the available resources.”

          Agencies and organizations that were on hand to discuss grant and contracting opportunities included: the Department of Education; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Energy; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Small Business Administration; Donor’s Forum; Export-Import Bank; the American Association of Grant Professionals; and more.

           “The Grant Supermarket was a great opportunity for business leaders to obtain information about the various government grant programs available and how to access them,” said Orland Park Chamber Board President John Bibeau.  “This event was a must for any business looking for new opportunities for growth.”

           Job creation and economic growth are Biggert’s top legislative priorities.  That’s why she co-sponsored the Small Business Assistance and Relief Act (H.R. 5554) to provide important tax relief measures long-sought by employers, reduce regulatory burdens, and boost small business lending programs. 

           "Small businesses create 60 to 80 percent of new jobs and their growth is America’s best ticket to economic recovery.  Congress must start listening to the small business community instead of pushing them further to the sidelines.  I will continue to advocate for my small business bill so employers can more easily anticipate their costs, invest wisely, and start hiring again,” said Biggert.

           At the Grant Supermarket, individuals attended a series of workshops that were available throughout the day, including: Small Business Administration 101; Non-Profit Assistance by Donor’s Forum; Small Business Innovation Research Opportunities by the U.S. Department of Energy; How to Write a Federal Grant by the American Association of Grant Professionals; How to Contract with the Federal Government; and Federal Export Assistance.

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