CHICAGO – As many businesses continue to face financial losses due to the ongoing pandemic, State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) is pleased 14 local businesses have received financial assistance through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“Small businesses were strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and many still have not regained their financial losses,” Jones said. “I am pleased 14 local businesses are receiving some financial relief from the BIG program, and I encourage others to apply.”

Fourteen businesses in the district Jones represents received a combined $705,000. 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. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

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.