State contingency plan expected to keep SBDCs afloat amid federal funding questions: Stadelman

State Senator Steve Stadelman said this week that state government is stepping up to help small businesses in light of federal-level uncertainty and delays.
To keep the Illinois Small Business Development Center program operating, grants to SBDC host organizations will be released at 70 percent of their anticipated CY25 funding levels. The remaining 30 percent will be added through grant modifications if and when additional federal funding becomes available.
Rock Valley College hosts this region's SBDC.
Stadelman explained that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity adopted the contingency plan after received a Notice of Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration for $4.9 million for SBDC for CY25, but only $1.1 million was authorized for use.

Stadelman promotes Illinois youth film contest and new 815HORTS partnership

State Senator Steve Stadelman is encouraging local filmmakers to enter the Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest. The state winner receives $250 and a place in the 815HORTS worldwide festival, taking place November 14 and 15 in Rockford.
“We’re so grateful to the Illinois Film Office for its continued partnership with 815HORTS and our film program in Rockford,” said Nicholas Povalitis, Plus Seven company founder and 815HORTS program director. “With the return of Shortcuts and its integration into 815HORTS, we are now able to improve on one of our most important festival goals – reaching the many aspiring and talented student filmmakers throughout the state. It’s an honor to help IFO uplift young filmmakers.”
While the Shortcuts winner is guaranteed a spot at the 815HORTS festival, all Shortcuts submissions received by August 31, 2025, will be considered for screening at 815HORTS. The curated Shortcuts contest is reserved for Illinois students or residents ages 22 and under. 

Films featured at the fourth annual 815HORTS will be eligible for honors as Best 5HORT (Best in Show), Best Animated, Best Documentary, Best Live Action and Best Shortcuts Student Contest Winner. Submission guidelines and additional information for Shortcuts can be found on the 815HORTS website.
Stadelman noted that Illinois in 2024 reached the second-highest film industry investment in state history with $653 million in production expenditures, owing at least in part to the General Assembly extending the state's Film Production Tax Credit through 2032. The tax credit has resulted in a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar spent on the incentive, resulting in over $4.5 billion in economic activity between FY17 and FY24, according to Stadelman.