Small Business

The volunteer business assistance nonprofit SCORE Peoria is working to expand its presence in Bloomington-Normal. But those efforts could be facing a major roadblock, as the pending reconciliation legislation in Congress would eliminate the national organization's funding.

Several Bloomington restaurants say they can get eggs during the shortage, but prices are beyond exorbitant. They're all struggling to keep up with demand while maintaining quality — and staying in business.

Emerald & Amythest in downtown Lexington is designed to be a community space for like-minded people, said co-owner Andy Hand.

Kobe Revolving Sushi Bar offers a first-of-its-kind dining experience for Bloomington-Normal residents. A two-level conveyor belt system delivers Japanese morsels directly to the patron.

The Pourcade is the first bar and arcade combo in Bloomington-Normal since 2022.

"Stay Another Day" is Bloomington native Mackenzie Nelson's mantra growing up. Two years ago, Nelson turned it into a brand and started a communitywide conversation about mental health. Its reach is now national.

Dale Naffziger has put the 4.2 acre garden center campus and business up for sale after building it from the ground-up starting in 1984.

An organization that tries to stimulate economic development in central Illinois says it can help address the housing shortage in McLean County. The Tri-County River Valley Development Authority (TRVDA) helps issue lower cost bonds.

The Paid Leave for All Workers act stipulates employers bank one hour for every 40 worked, up to 40 hours a year. Some businesses worry about what the law could do to their bottom line.

You don't usually find Democrats picking up the gauntlet to weaken provisions of a law originally intended to prevent the concentration of capital into hereditary wealthy elites. But State Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria said there's a sound economic development reason to do so.