VILLA PARK – State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) is pleased to announce businesses in the 23^rd State Senate District will receive more than $400,000 in financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging more to apply.

“Our local businesses are the foundation of our communities,” Cullerton said. “These funds will help our small businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during this awful pandemic.”

Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. Cullerton is urging local businesses to take advantage of the assistance program. Applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

 “I urge local business owners to take advantage of this assistance program to help them stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cullerton said.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.