Dear Friends,

As an advocate for minority-owned businesses, I am pleased to announce a new program aimed to level the playing field for all business owners in the state of Illinois. The Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME) program is now accepting applications for a competitive selection process.

The ADME program will identify highly skilled minority entrepreneurs and provide them with the proper resources to start and expand their business. The program is run by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Intersect Illinois, and will be accepting applications until October 23, 2016.

See below for more information.

Sincerely,

Senator Napoleon Harris, III
15th District – Illinois

How to apply:

Applications are available online at www.admeillinois.org.

Again, the deadline to complete and submit applications is October 23, 2016.

Program goal:

During the first year, the program will focus on minority communities, including veterans and women, in Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford with the goal of expanding statewide.

Dear Friends,

As we head into the fall and winter seasons, we should prepare for the colder days ahead. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will be accepting applications for winter assistance for seniors and people with disabilities beginning September 1.

LIHEAP is an energy assitance program for low-income families. Agencies will begin accepting appplications on a first-come, first-served basis. It's important to provide the proper resources for those most vulnerable in our communities.

Please see additional information below on how to begin the application process.

Sincerely,

Senator Napoleon Harris, III
15th District – Illinois

How to apply:

Clients must bring all required documentation when applying for assitance:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day income period beginning with the date of the application.

• A copy of their current heat and electricity bills issued within the last 30 days (if they pay for their energy directly).

• A copy of their rental agreement (if they are renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact information.

• Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.

• Proof that their household received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD); or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibilty or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), if receiving assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

More information:

Also, on September 1, 2016, The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) will be available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of the following utilities: ComEd, Nicor Gas, Ameren, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas utilities.

For more information about the energy assistance programs please visit www.liheapIllinois.com