May 16—Big opportunities are on the rise for local entrepreneurs. Vermilion Advantage was recently awarded a $250,000 grant through the state of lllinois' Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program.

One of 10 Illinois organizations to be awarded, Vermilion Advantage provides "strategic leadership on critical business issues to strengthen the local economy and business environment," according to its website.

The EEC grant is aimed at creating a more inclusive business ecosystem, especially within communities like Danville, where systemic barriers to entry have unequally disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small business owners who come from certain minority groups.

Former State Representative Mike Marron, recently appointed President and CEO of Vermilion Advantage, says the EEC grant will provide much-needed resources to train and equip local entrepreneurs and, in turn, boost the local economy

"It's a way for us to give boots-on-the-ground assistance to some of these people, and it offers us a connection [to them]," says Marron. "We want them to be successful, not only for the economic interests of the county, but then hopefully they will consider joining Vermilion Advantage and making our organization stronger. So, it's potentially a win-win for everybody."

Tricia Teague, a City of Danville Alderman and local entrepreneur, was the driving force behind applying for the EEC grant.

As the founder of The Trep School and Soar Space Business Center, Teague is deeply committed to providing local entrepreneurs with as many tools as possible to help them succeed.

Teague's Trep OnTrack Business Bootcamp — a six-month intensive educational training program for local entrepreneurs — depended on state funding that ran out in January, so she was on the lookout for another grant to support local entrepreneurs in need.

When she heard about the EEC grant opportunity, Teague's interest was piqued and she got busy writing the grant proposal.

"There are a number of things that entrepreneurs need that we want to be able to provide, beyond what Trep OnTrack provided," Teague says.

The details are still being hammered out, but Teague says the grant will provide local entrepreneurs with various tools, including educational programs, coaching, and cohort-based training.

One of the more impactful offerings this low-to-no-cost program will provide will assist entrepreneurs from minority groups with attaining a special certification which qualifies them for certain special state-funded grants.