Willowbrook, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today hosted a Federal Grant & Contracting Supermarket to connect area professionals, business owners, and community leaders with opportunities to expand and create local jobs.  At the event, businesses shopped for federal grants, learned how to contract with the federal government, access new lines of credit, and gained expert advice on grant writing.
 
           “Businesses from across the region are facing so many economic challenges, including limited access to credit, rising costs, and the unfortunate need to make layoffs.  This event gave businesses the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively compete for federal grants and contracts as they work toward an economic turnaround,” Biggert said.  “I was pleased to host representatives from an array of federal agencies so that local business professionals could hear first-hand the ins and outs of the federal grant and contracting process.”
 
           Agencies that were on hand to discuss grant and contracting opportunities included: the Department of Education; the Department of Energy; the Department of Homeland Security; the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Small Business Administration; the American Association of Grant Professionals; and more.
 
           “More than 600 business leaders attended, ranging from the entrepreneur who wanted to launch a start-up business to the company executive that was looking for federal grant opportunities to fund innovative green initiatives.  While applying for a grant is certainly not a one-size-fits-all process, I believe this event was informative to all the attendees,” said Biggert.  “The Grant Supermarket helped companies think outside of today’s economic challenges, and focus on projects that can create jobs and spur growth.”
 
           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; How to Find and Apply for Federal Grants by Grants.Gov; Small Business Innovation Research Opportunities by the US 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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