CHICAGO — The second wave of Business Interruption Grants opened Thursday, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is urging eligible businesses to apply.

“As more types of businesses reopen, they, too, are in need of support,” Van Pelt said. “I know these grants won’t solve everything, but it will provide businesses with a chance to recuperate from all the loss they have suffered.”

The second round of BIG funding builds on $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August, where businesses received $10,000 to $20,000 to help with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment, and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic. 

This time around, a variety of businesses will receive anywhere from $5,000-$150,000 each, with $220 million in total allocated funds available for statewide distribution.

For heavily distressed industries, such as indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, $60 million has been specifically allocated to ensure they are not overlooked. Additionally, $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIA), or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Businesses located in the 60612, 60624 and 60651 ZIP codes are included in the DIA list. A full list of eligible ZIP codes can be found here.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply here.