SPRINGFIELD (WSIL) -- More than 700 small bars, restaurants and hotels in Illinois will receive emergency grants.
Governor JB Pritzker's office says $14 million is being awarded through the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program.
The grants can be used for payroll, rent, job training, and technology to support shifts in operations, such as increased use of carry out and delivery.
“While the financial hardships related to this virus have permeated just about every industry, we know that our hospitality businesses have experienced some of the most significant hardships,� said Governor JB Pritzker. “Funding from the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program will help ease the burdens businesses in every corner of the state are facing and keep their operations up and running."
More than 450 small bars and restaurants will receive an average grant of roughly $14,000, while more than 250 small hotels will receive an average of $30,000.
Approximately 12,000 businesses applied for funding between March 25 - April 1. Grantees were selected via a random lottery.
A list of resources and services for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity .
