Throughout our communities, businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic are receiving the assistance they so desperately need, says State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has released $46 million in small business grants through the Business Interruption Grant program to 2,655 businesses throughout the state. In the 35th Senate District, $510,000 has been distributed to 29 businesses.
“Over the past few months, our small business community has faced unprecedented challenges and state-imposed restrictions that have left many struggling just to survive,” said Sen. Syverson. “While there is still a long road to recovery for many of our local employers, these grants are a good first step toward acknowledging our business community needs our support and providing some relief to our small businesses.”
Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, and equipment brought on by COVID-19 related restrictions. Businesses in areas that suffered property damage due to civil unrest received special consideration.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses had to meet certain criteria. Click here to see the Business Interruption Grant requirements for the first round of funding.
“While I am grateful that those who did qualify for this first wave of grants are now getting much-needed assistance, there are many other businesses that did not receive funding in the first round and that still need financial help,” said Sen. Syverson. “I am hopeful when the next round of federal funds are released, businesses that did not receive assistance from the first round of grants will receive much needed assistance moving forward.”
Click here to see a list of businesses within the 35th District that were awarded grants.