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Tag: covid

ComEd Small Business Assistance Program

ComEd has created a new program to help small businesses. As of December 16, 2020, they are accepting applications for assistance that would be applied to a business’ bill in 2021 if all qualifications are met.

The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, with a one-time grant up to $2,000 towards a past due balance. Eligible customers may also place a remaining balance into a payment plan of up to six months.  To apply for the Small Business Assistance Program, please call 1-877-426-6331.

More information can be found at https://www.comed.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/SmallBusinessAssistanceProgram.aspx

Cares Act Small Business Grant

The deadline to apply for CARES relief has been extended until the end of business Friday, October 2, 11:59pm. To register and fill out the application, visit the Will County website at:

https://www.willcountyillinois.com/CARES-Act

Additionally, the direct Small Business Assistance link is: 

https://www.willcountyillinois.com/CARES-Act/Local-Business-Assistance

If your small business has been hurt by COVID-19, don’t delay, fill out that application today

Business Interruption Grant Webinars

The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is multi-million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.

BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs.

Applications for a second round of funding are now being accepted and can be found here. A total of $220 million will be made available for small businesses of all types in Illinois. Grants will be awarded and funded on a rolling basis until funding is depleted.  The grant size will be equivalent to two months of expenses.

The BIG program is open to all eligible businesses (for profit and nonprofit) with $20 million or less in annual revenue in 2019 and experienced losses due to COVID-19. Of the total funding, $70 million will be invested in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs) and $60 million in heavily impacted industries. A map of the DIAs and the eligibility guidelines can be found on our website. 

The heavily impacted industries are defined as having annual revenues of $10 million or less and have been close or operating at a very diminished capacity since mid-March and are likely to continue to do so until Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan. These industries include the following:

·         Event spaces

·         Music venues

·         Performing arts venues

·         Indoor recreation

·         Amusement parks

·         Movie theaters

·         Museums

·         Charter/shuttle buses

DCEO will be hosting webinars regarding this program. You can register for the webinars by using the links below:

Event:  Northeast Region Business Interruption Grant Webinar
Date and time:  Friday, September 25, 2020 2:00 pm
Event address:  https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=eae4c803e69f3132138ed9c902bf20d0e

Event:  Northeast Region Business Interruption Grant Webinar
Date and Time:  Monday, September 28, 2020 2:00 pm
Event Address:  https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=eb5ae540f4ac73d79af6b0fcdc96cd4fa

Event:  Northeast Region Business Interruption Grant Webinar
Date and time:  Wednesday, September 30, 2020 3:00 pm
Event address:  https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php?MTID=e1b28c578db7ed2236ac96f8a0a0def37