MURPHYSBORO (WSIL) -- The City of Murphysboro is one step closer to getting newly approved grant money into the hands of local businesses affected by the shutdown.
Rule of Pie owner Rick Stapel says shutting down his business has been a struggle.
"It's been terribly difficult. It's impossible to predict. And it's almost hard to even talk it through or articulate it in a lot of ways," he said.
Stapel is using any funds to help his local bakery survive.
"We've effectively just been using money that we've had built up over time. Obviously don't feel great about that as a strategy," he said.
Stapel says he's looking forward to applying for the COVID-19 business relief fund approved unanimously Wednesday night by the city council.
"We were obviously enthused to hear about any program the city was instituting to help us. And so we're in the process of trying to figure out formally how to apply," he said.
The grant allows essential and non-essential small businesses in the city to apply.
"We identified some loans in a business revolving loan fund, $38,000, that we have repurposed this program for small businesses," said Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens.
Mayor Stephens says this is one of many ideas to help the city.
"Could be a mortgage payment, a rent payment, a utility bill payment an insurance payment, up to a total of a $1,000," he said.
Stapel says businesses should take advantage of any assistance.
"We don't have a significant amount of money coming in. Any little bit is going to help us float. Any little bit is going to help us hang on," he said.
Interested business owners in Murphysboro are expected to see a finalized application available this coming Monday.
