CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Scott Bennett is urging business owners to utilize the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity’s webinar to navigate the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program this week.
Businesses across Champaign and Vermilion county businesses can register to participate in the free, informative webinar on Tuesday, September 29 at 3 p.m.
“The Business Interruption Grant program will help give our local businesses a helping hand during this awful pandemic,” Bennett said. “I urge area businesses to take advantage of this program and utilize this informative webinar to ensure they are completing applications correctly in order to receive the full amount of assistance they qualify for.”
Registration is required for this event. Interested participants can click here to register.
Applications for Round 2 of the BIG program were launched last week. The latest round has allocated $220 million in assistance for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.
The intention of the second round is to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate. It also includes $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theaters, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, event spaces located at banquet halls and hotels, and more. And another $70 million has been set aside for businesses in economically distressed communities that have been the most vulnerable to COVID-1
“During this pandemic, our local businesses have served our communities and worked diligently to keep their employees and customers safe,” Bennett said. “It is our duty to support our small businesses – as always I urge folks to frequent small businesses but especially during these trying times. Whether you are picking up dinner this weekend, in need of a new shirt or looking for a birthday gift, please shop local.”
Applications open are open and can be found on the Illinois DCEO’s website. Bennett urges business owners who are unable to attend the September 29 webinar to visit DECO’s website to sign up for another webinar.
###
PARK FOREST—To help businesses navigate the application process for the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, State Senator Patrick Joyce is urging business owners across the south suburbs to attend a free, informative webinar hosted by the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity on Monday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
“The BIG program will help our local businesses move one step closer to financial stability,” Joyce said. “I urge business owners to join this informative webinar to ensure they are completing their applications correctly and taking full advantage of available grants.”
Registration is required. Interested participants can click here to register.
Applications for Round 2 of the BIG program were launched last week. The latest round has allocated $220 million in assistance for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and other hard-hit businesses to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.
The intention of the second round is to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate and heavily distressed industries. Of the total funding, $70 million has been set aside for businesses in economically distressed communities that have been the most vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Small businesses are the back bone of our communities,” Joyce said. “During the pandemic, they have worked tirelessly to serve our communities and keep employees and customers safe. They have gone above and beyond to support us—I urge residents to return the favor and support them, too. Shop local as often as you can and please be patient, because we are all struggling to deal with this pandemic.”
Applications to the BIG program are open and can be found on the Illinois DCEO website. Joyce urges business owners who are unable to attend the Sept. 28 webinar to visit DECO’s website to sign up for another webinar or view a prerecorded version.
ELGIN – To help small businesses deal with undue economic burden caused by COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has begun accepting applications for a second round of Business Interruption Grants. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging local businesses who are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic to apply.
“The past several months have been hard on all of us, and despite shutdown restrictions being eased, many small businesses are having difficulty paying their staff and keeping their doors open and lights on,” Castro said. “Since small businesses are the backbone of our community, I am encouraging businesses owners to apply for the Business Interruption Grants to help ease some of the pressure they’re under due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grants are the second in a series of $636 million in funding for struggling small businesses. Nearly $220 million will be awarded, with a particular focus on downstate businesses, businesses in disproportionately affected areas, and businesses in industries and regions that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Businesses outside of these areas are still eligible to apply, but their applications may be reviewed later.
“These grants will help keep people from losing the jobs they’ve worked hard to obtain and shutting down the businesses they’ve worked hard to establish,” Castro said.
Businesses will be informed of a decision regarding their application within four to six weeks of its submission. More information, including eligibility information, can be found on DCEO’s website.
NAPERVILLE –As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, small businesses are still facing added financial hardships, and State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is urging local businesses to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants.
“The challenges that have been created due to this pandemic are truly unprecedented,” Ellman said. “So many in the community have worked tirelessly to follow the latest guidelines. It’s great to see another round of these grants coming to these well-deserving businesses.”
The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through these uncertain times and make sure they have the means to open safely in the coming months.
BIG funds can 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.
During the program’s first round of funding last month, it granted more than $40 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in Will and DuPage Counties were awarded over $500,000 in $10,000 to $20,000 grants during the first round.
“These funds have and will continue to give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customer,” Ellman said.
Applications open tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.
CHICAGO — The second wave of Business Interruption Grants opened Thursday, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is urging eligible businesses to apply.
“As more types of businesses reopen, they, too, are in need of support,” Van Pelt said. “I know these grants won’t solve everything, but it will provide businesses with a chance to recuperate from all the loss they have suffered.”
The second round of BIG funding builds on $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August, where businesses received $10,000 to $20,000 to help with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment, and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.
This time around, a variety of businesses will receive anywhere from $5,000-$150,000 each, with $220 million in total allocated funds available for statewide distribution.
For heavily distressed industries, such as indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks, $60 million has been specifically allocated to ensure they are not overlooked. Additionally, $70 million has been set aside for businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIA), or low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19. Businesses located in the 60612, 60624 and 60651 ZIP codes are included in the DIA list. A full list of eligible ZIP codes can be found here.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply here.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS –As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is encouraging local businesses to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants to combat financial hardships.
“We’re in a time where thousands of small businesses are facing unprecedented economic uncertainty,” Gillespie said. “This program will help provide some stability and give out small businesses a helping hand.”
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. Wheeling businesses may qualify for part of the $70 million. For a full list of eligible ZIP codes, click here.
During the program’s first round of funding in August, it granted more than $40 million to small businesses across Illinois in the form of $10,000 to $20,000 grants.
“The state’s continuing to do what’s necessary and what’s required to help the business community stay afloat,” Gillespie said. “I encourage any small business that is struggling to apply for relief as soon as applications go live.”
CHICAGO — During the first wave of Business Interruption Grants Chicago businesses received more than $3 million in financial assistance. The second wave of grants opened Thursday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is urging eligible businesses to apply.
“I was encouraged by the results of the first wave of BIG grants, and I’m hoping that other Southside businesses can receive similar assistance this time around,” Hunter said. “Any business that has faced financial hardships stemming from the pandemic should apply as soon as possible.”
Grants in the first round ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment, and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.
The second wave of grants will aid businesses such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, and concert venues as well as other for-profit and non-profit businesses with a total of $220 million in allocated funds to help them push through these hard times.
To ensure funds are distributed across the state and across business types, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks.
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, including businesses located in the 60616 ZIP code. A full list of eligible ZIP codes can be found here.
Eligible businesses should apply as soon as possible on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.
FRANKFORT – To bring relief to local businesses suffering from the economic devastation brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is encouraging small business owners across the South Suburbs to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.
In a letter to Governor Pritzker several weeks ago, Hastings urged the administration to prioritize financial assistance to bars, banquet halls, restaurants and fitness centers throughout Will County due to the implementation of additional mitigation measures. As a result, businesses in Region 7 that submit an application will be given priority to ensure they receive the necessary support from the second round of BIG awards.
“The prioritization of Region 7 businesses doesn’t happen without the advocacy of business owners in Will County, and I want to thank them for voicing their concerns to me,” Hastings said. “At this point, every bit of help counts. This financial assistance will help businesses throughout Will County that have been negatively impacted by the recent COVID-19 mitigations. We are by no means out of the woods yet, so for us to continue working toward recovery, it’s vital that business owners struggling to get by submit their applications for the second round of grants.”
Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants program will be made available Thursday, Sept. 17 and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.
The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate or in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found on DCEO’s website at Illinois.gov/dceo.
PEORIA – To curb the devastating economic effects brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging small business owners to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.
“With the first round of Business Interruption Grants, several local businesses received financial relief and were able to keep their doors open,” Koehler said. “With so many businesses still struggling to maintain operations, it’s doubly important that the state continues to step up to help however possible.”
Applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program will be made available this Thursday afternoon and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.
AURORA –Small businesses continue to confront financial hardships as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is encouraging business owners to apply for assistance through the second round of Business Interruption Grants.
“So many local businesses have faced unprecedented 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. “Our small businesses have been resourceful and flexible in adapting to new safety guidelines, and I hope this will give them the assistance they need to bounce back.”
The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and more to help them stay afloat through this time of crisis and ensure they have the resources to open safely in the coming months.
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 affected businesses in this round’s categories to apply for funding as soon as they can.”
Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.
JOLIET — State Senator Pat McGuire urges businesses in Will County affected by the current COVID-19 Resurgence Mitigations to apply for economic assistance announced today by Governor JB Pritzker.
“The measures needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 require extra sacrifice from certain businesses,” McGuire said. “That’s why the new Business Interruption Grants grant competition prioritizes those businesses.”
SPRINGFIELD – To curb the devastating economic effects brought on by COVID-19, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) is encouraging small business owners to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants, a key piece of the State of Illinois’ pandemic response effort.
Manar, the Senate Appropriations II Committee Chair, fought to ensure necessary funding for this program during last spring’s budget negotiations.
DES PLAINES – In a continued effort to provide aid to small businesses struggling with income losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is notifying local business owners that applications for the second round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program will be made available Thursday, Sept. 17 and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.
“For the shops, restaurants, event venues and other businesses that bolster our local economies, these funds can’t come soon enough,” said Murphy. “I encourage business owners to look over the program requirements and gather necessary materials to make sure they can apply as soon as the application period opens.”
Black Caucus seeks to develop agenda to overcome centuries of oppression
CHICAGO — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus presented four pillars of policy through which they are building out an agenda for veto session to help Black communities in Illinois overcome centuries of oppression.
Recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent police killings, have highlighted staggering disparities that have made it clear that comprehensive reform is crucial to end systemic racism.
ILBC Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) says the caucus seeks to bring justice to Black Illinoisans.
Read more.
Hunter applauds new IDOT diversity initiative
CHICAGO — After a Senate hearing Thursday about transparency and equity at the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT and other members of the Mid-America Association of State Transportation Agencies voted to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) praised the decision in the following statement:
“For years, we’ve heard serious complaints about acts of discrimination at IDOT. We gave Secretary Omer Osman the opportunity to respond to these allegations, and I’m happy to see that he’s taken them seriously."
Crowe completes first round of small business tour in Metro East
MARYVILLE — To highlight individual social-distancing efforts and give business owners an opportunity to voice concerns, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has completed the first round of her small business tour, visiting nine locally-owned businesses within the Metro East region.
“From visiting retail employees to optometrists, every business owner I had the pleasure of meeting with is taking the pandemic seriously and imposing mask requirements, social distancing and deep sanitizing,” Crowe said. “My goal with this tour was to highlight their efforts, while also offering a casual conversation in order to have a better understanding of the effects of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Senators Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) and Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign): Cover Crop Premium Discount Program Returns for 2020 | MyRadioLink
Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago): Census delays could take toll on states | CBS News
Copyright 2020 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved
Subscribe to The Majority Report
MARYVILLE –To highlight individual social-distancing efforts and give business owners an opportunity to voice concerns, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) has completed the first round of her small business tour, visiting nine locally-owned businesses within the Metro East region.
To invite different perspectives from business owners and employees in all industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Crowe visited:
“Several of the businesses I visited were approved for PPP loans, which has relieved some financial stress from payroll and other operating costs,” Crowe said. “To ensure our small businesses aren’t held personally liable, I’m now working to facilitate the loan forgiveness portion.”
Every business will be featured with more information from each visit on Sen. Crowe’s Facebook page. Business owners interested in inviting Sen. Crowe to tour are encouraged to apply at www.SenatorCrowe.com/SmallBusinessTours.
ELGIN – Recipients of the first round of the state’s Business Interruption Grants were announced last week. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is congratulating the 26 local businesses that will receive a combined $420,000 in relief.
“The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all of us, including small business owners and their employees who have been living in fear of waking up one morning and no longer having a job,” Castro said. “These institutions helped keep our communities up and running during the height of the pandemic, so it’s great to be able to provide them with the support they need to keep their doors open.”
The Business Interruption Grants were offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were available to restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and salons, particularly in areas of the state that have seen larger than average economic losses. The grants ranged from $10,000-$20,000 per business and can be used to cover the cost of payroll, rent, and utilities, and can also be used for pandemic-related expenses such as personal protective equipment.
“I encourage any business that has been struggling over the past six months to apply for the next round of BIG grants when they become available,” Castro said.
In total, the grants will award $46 million to over 2,600 Illinois businesses. A full list of recipients can be found here.
AURORA – In an effort to provide support to small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) announced 33 local businesses will receive a combined $540,000 through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.
“So many local businesses have faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m proud to see them receive these grants to help them get back on their feet,” said Holmes. “Our small businesses were resourceful and flexible in adapting to new safety guidelines, and I hope this will give them the assistance they need to bounce back.”
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.
To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding.
“There is so much more to do to help our business community recover from this crisis,” said Holmes. “These funds will let them focus their efforts on reopening in a way that keeps staff and customers safe.”
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.
VILLA PARK –To provide support to DuPage County business owners encountering economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) announced 27 small businesses will receive nearly $500,000 through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.
“This program will help our small businesses keep their doors open and employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cullerton said. “I am thrilled to see so many local businesses receive much-needed assistance to stay afloat and continue to support our communities.”
Cullerton has worked tirelessly to cut red tape, increase assistance programs and ease regulations for small businesses across the state. He pledges to continue to support policies that keep the 23rd State Senate District safe, schools well-funded and property taxes low.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of our state,” Cullerton said. “We must continue to give them the resources to be successful as they work toward reopening and keeping our communities safe.”
For more information, Cullerton urges residents to visit his website at www.SenatorTomCullerton.com or call his office at (630) 903-6662.
CHICAGO –During a time when many Illinois businesses are struggling with tough financial decisions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is excited to see 24 local businesses have been awarded a combined $430,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.
“The hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on small businesses in our communities,” Martwick said. “The BIG program provides funding many business owners need to stay afloat, and I’m glad to see a number of local establishments on this list of recipients.”
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, fitness centers, and other businesses that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.
DEERFIELD — As small businesses continue to face financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased more than 50 businesses throughout her district have received nearly $900,000 in combined assistance through the Business Interruption Grant Program.
“The small business community and its hardworking owners hold a special place in my heart, and I’m happy they will receive much-deserved assistance,” Morrison said. “Between being shut down for weeks and the extra cost that comes with keeping employees and customers safe and healthy, these business owners need as much help as we can possibly provide them.”
A total of 53 business in the district Morrison represents received a combined $870,000. Each business received between $10,000 and $20,000 to be used to help 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 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 availablehere.
Page 1 of 4