Kish College partnership provides COVID-19 grants to local 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 (SBDC), and First Midwest Bank. Pictured are (left to right) LaCretia Konan, Kishwaukee College Director of Workforce & Community Education; Lesly Flores, Vice President and Community Development Manager with First Midwest Bank; Jock Sommese, SBDC Advisor; and Greg Sibigtroth along with his grandson and son.

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,” said Greg Sibigtroth, owner of Sib’s Corner Grill in Genoa. “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, please contact LaCretia Konan, Kishwaukee College Director of Workforce & Community Education, at lkonan1@kish.edu.