CHAMPAIGN – In an effort to understand and address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) launches district-wide tour of businesses across Vermilion and Champaign Counties.  

“Small businesses are the heart of our community,” Bennett said. “Some businesses are going above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of their staff and customers, so I want to put a spotlight on those businesses that are working hard to create a safe environment.”

Bennett said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions, including wearing a mask and social distancing. 

Applications are available at http://SenatorBennett.com/SmallBusinessTours. Bennett plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests businesses to submit requests soon. Once the application is received, a member of Bennett’s team will respond with additional details. 

“The pandemic has taken its toll on small businesses,” Bennett said. “We need to continue to do all that we can to ensure our businesses have the resources they need to be successful.”

With questions, businesses in Champaign County should call Bennett’s Champaign office at 217-355-5252 and Vermilion County business owners should contact his Danville office at 217-442-5252.

CHICAGO – Businesses in Chicago and the southwest suburbs that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19-related closures and operating changes are set to receive $680,000 in special relief grants, State Senator Bill Cunningham announced today.

“This Business Interruption Grant program is so important for small businesses that have done everything right by putting the health and safety of their customers and employees first during this pandemic,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “I’m hopeful this first round of grants will help the businesses that make our communities unique.”

The grants are the first round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program. The state program will award these grants to a variety of businesses, with top priority to those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants are distributed in awards of $10,000 or $20,000 and can be used to help businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic, such as PPE, training, and new technology.

“This pandemic has hit small retailers, independently-owned gyms, and hospitality businesses like bars and restaurants especially hard,” Cunningham said. “That’s why the program is ensuring that these businesses are the priority when grants are being awarded.”

CHICAGO – The state released $46 million in Business Interruption Grants to more than 2,500 local businesses in the first round of the program, which is intended to help businesses hit especially hard by pandemic-related closures and restrictions. State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is urging more business owners to apply for the next round.

“I was happy to see more than 50% of this round of grants go to businesses owned by people of color in particularly hard hit areas,” Villanueva said. “These grants will go a long way to help businesses struggling from the COVID-19 outbreak, especially for the many business owners who couldn’t qualify for federal aid in communities like the one I represent.”

In the 11^th Senate District, 42 businesses received $770,000 in aid. First round BIG grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and will be used to help businesses cover payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as masks and other protective equipment, training, and new technology. Recipients were selected via a random lottery.

Before the next round of grants, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is providing technical assistance to support entrepreneurs who need help applying, especially in communities of colors. They will work through community partners, including the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, The Resurrection Project, and the Chicago Urban League.

“We all know the truth is the pandemic has hit Latinx and Black communities especially hard, especially in the city,” Villanueva said. “Businesses in our communities often have less resources and less experience navigating government programs. I urge local businesses who need help to work with these community navigators to apply for the next round of grants.”

DCEO expects to launch the next round of applications soon.

PARK FOREST – A total of 26 local businesses have been awarded a combined $480,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, prompting State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest) to extend his congratulations to the recipients.

“Small businesses give so much to our community, but right now they are struggling to stay afloat,” Joyce said. “BIG grants can help these establishments move one step closer to financial recovery.”

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. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

“I am committed to supporting relief efforts so businesses affected by this crisis can come out on top,” Joyce said. “I encourage any area business searching for financial relief to apply for future rounds of Business Interruption Grants.”

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) extended congratulations to five small businesses that have been awarded a combined $100,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“COVID-19 has caused so many challenges and uncertainties for our small business community,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled these businesses were selected to receive BIG grants so they can keep their doors open during these tough times.”

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. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The following Vermilion County businesses received grants:

• Anytime Fitness, Danville - $20,000
• Danville Family YMCA, Danville - $20,000
• Fujiyama Steakhouse, Danville - $20,000
• Henk’s Bait & Bite, Danville - $20,000
• Lincoln Lanes, Danville - $20,000

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

NAPERVILLE – In an effort to provide support to small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) announced 29 local businesses will receive nearly $500,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary new challenges for our local small businesses,” Ellman said. “So many of these businesses have worked hard to follow new guidelines, so I’m thrilled to see so many are receiving these well deserved grants.”

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. The BIG program offers grants to businesses hit particularly hard by pandemic-related closures and restrictions.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and any other pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, new technology and training.

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding, including a special program for child care providers. The application deadline for this program is Aug. 14.

“These additional funds will give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customer,” Ellman said. “These grants are just some of the first steps that need to be taken to safely reopen our state economy and eventually eradicate the virus, so we can get back to everyday life.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

DANVILLE – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) extended congratulations to five small businesses that have been awarded a combined $100,000 in grants through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“COVID-19 has caused so many challenges and uncertainties for our small business community,” Bennett said. “I’m thrilled these businesses were selected to receive BIG grants so they can keep their doors open during these tough times.”

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. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The following Vermilion County businesses received grants:

• Anytime Fitness, Danville - $20,000
• Danville Family YMCA, Danville - $20,000
• Fujiyama Steakhouse, Danville - $20,000
• Henk’s Bait & Bite, Danville - $20,000
• Lincoln Lanes, Danville - $20,000

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding. The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.

MARYVILLE – To offer support to small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the pandemic, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced 25 local businesses will receive funds through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“Our local businesses fell victim to unprecedented revenue loss from the COVID-19 pandemic," Crowe said. “It’s reassuring to see investments going directly into our small business community, and I hope this funding can offer a boost during these tough times.”

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. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as PPE, training and new technology.

“To ensure safety for workers and consumers, the BIG program will allow businesses to prioritize safety while adjusting to new social distancing guidelines,” Crowe said. “While it’s encouraging to see businesses getting assistance, I know our work is just starting to ensure our community fully recovers from this crisis.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.