PLAINFIELD – As the holiday season quickly approaches, businesses continue to struggle to stay afloat amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To help those businesses, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) is urging Will County residents to shop locally.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we need to keep our local businesses in our minds,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “Our local businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. I encourage residents to support our business community however we can to help them during this difficult time.”    

As people begin their holiday shopping, Bertino-Tarrant is reminding residents that supporting small doesn’t just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Nearly $2 million in Business Interruption Grants have been awarded to businesses in the 49^th State Senate District, and more is still available.

“The Business Interruption Grants has, and will continue to, help our local businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during this awful pandemic,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “I urge business owners to take advantage of this assistance program to help them during this difficult time.”

Bertino-Tarrant would also like to remind struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.