ELGIN – To help combat the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has been awarding a second round of Business Interruption Grants to struggling small businesses. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is pleased to announce that several local businesses were recipients.

“It is great to see many local businesses, which are the backbone of our community, receive such crucial help in a time of crisis,” Castro said. “Through no fault of their own, these businesses have been struggling, but now thanks to the BIG grants, they have a second breath of life. The pandemic has been difficult on all of us, and our businesses are no exception.”

CHICAGO – In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it created, a second round of Business Interruption Grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have begun to be distributed. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) expressed gratitude for the support given to local restaurants small businesses.

“This has been an unprecedented several few months in our world that has affected everyone, and local restaurants and small businesses have really stepped up to try to retain some sense of normalcy during all the uncertainty,” Peters said. “Many have done so at personal financial cost, which was only made worse by the economic downturn the COVID-19 pandemic brought about. That’s why I’m grateful to see such important local establishments getting a bit of a boost from the BIG grants, and I hope they will use that money to continue providing services and support to our community during these trying times.”

CHICAGO – As many businesses continue to face financial losses due to the ongoing pandemic, State Senator Emil Jones, III (D-Chicago) is pleased 14 local businesses have received financial assistance through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“Small businesses were strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and many still have not regained their financial losses,” Jones said. “I am pleased 14 local businesses are receiving some financial relief from the BIG program, and I encourage others to apply.”

CHICAGO – The Senate Labor, Executive, and Commerce and Economic Committees held a joint hearing on diversity in labor unions Thursday, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for more diversity in labor unions and new strategies for capacity building.

“Women and people of color deserve the same trade and employment opportunities as everybody else,” Hunter said. “Labor unions need to be more intentional with their recruitment and training strategies. Looking at these issues through an equitable lens will not only level the playing field, but increase the success of business in the long haul.”

PARK FOREST – Businesses and organizations in Kankakee, Cook and Will Counties are among the 1,200 recipients of more than $46 million in Business Interruption Grants (BIG) prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Friday.

“COVID-19 has been especially hard on our small business community these past few months,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to learn businesses in our community have taken advantage of this program, and with funds still available, I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for grants.”

CHAMPAIGN – To help the many small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) announced Champaign and Vermilion County businesses will receive aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“The BIG program is essential to small businesses who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bennett said. “I’m pleased to see so many businesses take advantage of this grant opportunity, and I would like to see more apply while funding is still available.”

PARK FOREST – This Halloween, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding drivers to keep themselves, other motorists and trick-or-treaters safe by never driving under the influence.

“Halloween may look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Joyce said. “I want to encourage folks to celebrate safely by following health guidelines and making plans for a sober ride home if you plan to drink.”

AURORA – As many businesses continue to struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is encouraging small business owners to apply for the second round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, a key piece of the state’s pandemic response effort.

“Local businesses have confronted unmatched challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m pleased we have another round of grants available to help them get back on their feet,” said Holmes. “Their resourcefulness and flexibility has helped them adapt to new safety guidelines, and I hope this program can give them the means to bounce back.”

The BIG program has allocated $220 million to Illinois small businesses in the second round, with priority given to businesses in regions under increased mitigation measures. BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, and another $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas, or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. For a full list of eligible zip codes, click here.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding earlier this year. Those grants went to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers. In the Aurora area, 33 local businesses received a combined $540,000.

“It was gratifying to see our local businesses get this boost in the first round of the BIG program,” Holmes said. “I encourage all affected businesses who haven’t yet applied to apply for funding as soon as possible.”

Applications for the second round of the BIG program are available now and can be found on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/dceo.