DHS-SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PGRAM

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a small business grant program for public aid recipients who are interested in developing a new start-up business. Requires grant applicants to submit an initial business plan or proposal to the Department that clearly articulates the viability of the new start-up business and how the grant money will be used to develop the business. Provides that the Department shall use such application materials to determine an applicant's eligibility under the program, the grant amount to be awarded, if applicable, and the number of grants an eligible applicant will receive under the program. Provides that if an applicant is determined by the Department to be eligible for a small business grant, the applicant must submit to the Department every year that he or she participates in the program or applies for a new grant an updated business plan or proposal that demonstrates the continued viability or progress of the new start-up business. Requires the Department to adopt any rules necessary to implement the program, including rules on the minimum and maximum grant amounts awarded under the program, the number of grants an applicant may apply for or receive during a specified period of time, and application requirements.