CHICAGO – With the coronavirus pandemic forcing thousands of businesses to close, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) urges eligible Chicago business owners to apply for the new Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program.

“Many of the assistance programs available are not accessible to the most vulnerable in our community,” Villanueva said. “Working people deserve relief regardless of status. This program is open to those who are too often left behind.”

The Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program will award 1,000 businesses with four or fewer employees a one-time grant of $5,000. The grant money, funded entirely by private donations, must be used as working capital for expenses such as payroll, rent, insurance or taxes. Applications are available in English and Spanish on the City of Chicago’s website and are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Four or fewer employees,
• Less than $250,000 annual revenue,
• Located in the city of Chicago,
• In business for at least one year,
• 25% decrease in revenue due to COVID-19, and
• Located in a low- or moderate-income Community Area.

Applicants must provide a valid ID and completed W9 form. CityKey is an accepted form of ID. Recipients will be chosen by a lottery on May 11 and issued their grant within two business days.