BUFFALO GROVE – To help small business owners dealing with the devastating financial impact of COVID-19, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) is pleased to learn nearly $900,000 has been awarded to businesses in the district she represents through the state’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“Small business owners have faced continuous worries this year over whether they’ll have to shut their doors and how they’ll be able to support their families,” Johnson said. “Money awarded through these grants will help them be able to continue to bolster our communities through their products and services.”

More than two dozen businesses in the district Johnson represents received a combined $890,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $135,000 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 the BIG program. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent. Johnson encourages any small business in need to apply. Priority funding will be given to businesses located in areas with increased mitigation efforts.

“Any business who is struggling – no matter if it’s a restaurant or a movie theatre – should apply for funding as soon as possible,” Johnson said. “I also encourage community members to help support these struggling businesses by shopping small this holiday season.”

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 DCEO’s website.