DOLTON – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Harvey) is thrilled to learn 20 local businesses have been awarded funding through the Business Interruption Grant to help counter the financial struggles that have been endured throughout the pandemic.
“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating. Small businesses are the backbone of our society and supply many jobs for local community members,” Harris said. “More business should apply for this grant opportunity in order to receive financial assistance.”
Twenty businesses in the district Harris represents received a combined $365,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 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.
Read more: Harris: 20 local business have received financial relief, more need to apply
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.”
Read more: Castro announces area grant recipients, encourages additional applications
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.”
Read more: Peters grateful for grant funding support of local businesses
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.”
Read more: Hunter advocates for diversity in labor unions and capacity building
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.”
Read more: Joyce announces additional $490,000 in aid to local businesses
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.”
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