SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant milestone for Employment Social Enterprises and the thousands of Illinois residents they serve, a new law that will provide ESEs with greater access to business assistance programs, technical support, grants, loans and procurement opportunities was signed into law Friday, thanks to support from State Senator Celina Villanueva and State Representative Jawaharial Williams.

“This legislation recognizes that economic development and workforce development go hand-in-hand," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Employment Social Enterprises prove every day that investing in people creates stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger Illinois economy. By ensuring these organizations have access to the same economic development resources available to other businesses, we’re opening new doors for innovation, job creation and economic opportunity for Illinoisans who have too often been left behind.”

ESEs are mission-driven, revenue-generating businesses that combine commercial enterprise with workforce development. These enterprises provide employment, job training and supportive services to individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including those with experiences of incarceration, homelessness, disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In Illinois more than 1.7 million Illinoisans are justice impacted, more than 200,000 Illinoisans are experiencing housing instability and more than 2 million Illinoisans...

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