SCHAUMBURG – To help local business owners navigate state and federal financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8^th) co-hosted a virtual meeting with the Schaumburg Business Association on Monday, April 27.

The conversation focused on economic issues facing the small business community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and featured presentations from financial experts, followed by a Q&A.

“Small businesses strengthen our local economies and make our communities unique. We must do everything we can to help them survive this challenging period,” said Murphy. “I hope business owners came away from this meeting with the knowledge they need to find help.”

It was the second virtual meeting Murphy has hosted with local businesses during the pandemic. The first attracted nearly 40 business owners.

Jonathan McGee, Assistant Deputy Director for Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, discussed the $60 million Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund. Bo Steiner, District Director of the Illinois office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was also on hand to explain the grant and loan opportunities that are available to struggling businesses in Illinois under the federal CARES Act.

“State and federal assistance programs can help small businesses get back on their feet after this pandemic,” said Murphy. “I’m glad to have given our local business owners the chance to learn more.”

Business owners who were unable to attend the meeting can get the information discussed by contacting Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or www.senatorlauramurphy.com/contact-us.

Murphy regularly updates her Facebook and Twitter with information about the COVID-19 outbreak, including resources available to businesses.