After spending 10 years as a fitness coach, the coronavirus pandemic imposed circumstances on Ivan Rogel of Waukegan where continuing to earn a living was a challenge, so he started a business — Energy Fire Fitness. He opened Energy Fire in 2020, conducting Zumba and CrossFit classes, as well as offering one-on-one coaching to clients online. When the weather was appropriate, he found outdoor locations. Advertisement “I needed to work,” Rogel said. “I had to keep going, and I started the business.” Now the state of Illinois is offering grants to entrepreneurs like Rogel, who had the courage to open a fitness business in the midst…
