FORWARD Community Resource Tool

Mayor Mike Thoms

City Council Meeting - May 11, 2020

Introduction

As we move forward amidst our new norm with COVID-19, Illinois Quad City communities are rolling out one of the most robust business recovery programs in the nation by launching FORWARD- a free online portal that connects local businesses to a comprehensive list of resources—grants, loans, credits, offers, and local incentives. It’s a one-stop shop for recovery programs.

This effort is made possible through a new partnership with LiveStories- that has enabled a tool that brings more than 20 federal, state, and local resources together in one place for businesses to easily navigate programs that are available specifically to them.

City of Rock Island, in partnership with the Development Association of Rock Island, or DARI, is launching its tool for Rock Island businesses on Tuesday, May 12.

Resources Available through FORWARD

More than 30 federal, state and local assistance programs are published on the tool for our Rock Island businesses to have access to.

The tool allows businesses to quickly find resources they are eligible for, based on their completed business profile.

The tool will have the capability to chat live with a dedicated DARI staff member, Stacey McIntosh, who has been hired by DARI to work individually with our business community in collaboration with City CED staff.

Publicly launching on Tuesday, May 12

1,100 Businesses will receive an email invitation over the course of this week to log into their business profile already set up for them.

Please bear with us as information may or may not be as accurate as it should be, based on working on multiple lists that may have some inaccuracies. We need for you to update the information so we can communicate effectively to the appropriate person to provide resources that may be beneficial to your business. 

Accessing the Tool

• Visit DARI’s website at www.RockIslandForward.com 
• Tool accessible on home page
• Businesses will receive an email invitation to log in
• Log in with your password
• Review your business profile and settings.
• Browse the list of resources, filtering by eligibility and type.
• Apply online and track your progress.
• Chat live with DARI staff
• Request an invitation if you are not already on the list

Collaboration with other IL Communities

The City and DARI have collaborated with the City of Moline and Renew Moline, City of East Moline, REDEEM, and the City of Silvis- and have included the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the conversation.

We are working on issuing a joint news release with the other communities. A live video news conference will be held later this week. Details forthcoming.

Conclusion

Thank you to our Rock Island business community in playing a vital role in moving Rock Island FORWARD. We look forward to hearing your feedback, and providing even more assistance to you during this time. We are all in this together.