CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pleased 25 businesses in the district he represents received financial assistance from the Businesses Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging businesses to continue to apply.

“Small businesses have faced some of the greatest financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Martwick said. “These funds are important to help keep business doors open while keeping the community safe.”

Twenty-five businesses in the district Martwick represents have received a combined $505,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to help offset costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have been interrupted 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.