CHICAGO (ILLINOIS CAPITOL BUREAU) -- Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have awarded 2,655 emergency grants to businesses hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. $46 million from the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program will be distributed across 78 counties. Congress approved funding for the program through the CARES Act.
°Õ³ó±ðÌý ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. Pritzker says business owners can use the grants for payroll costs, rent, or utilities. Some owners may choose to use the funds for PPE or training for employees. Minority-owned businesses make up 50% of the grant recipients. Over 600 downstate businesses are also receiving grants. Grantees proved they made less than $3 million annually.
"The initial focus of these grants has been on businesses that have been most severely impacted by COVID-19, those that were completely shut down in the spring, and those that are in COVID-impacted areas that experienced property damage amidst the looting and civil unrest in June," Pritzker said Wednesday.
Disproportionately impacted areas
The governor explained these grants will help many business owners forgotten by the federal PPP program. Businesses in areas disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and adverse economic conditions received more than $24 million. The Pritzker administration says at least 30% of the BIG assistance will go to DIA businesses.
DCEO Acting Director Michael Negron says this is the first of several rounds of grants coming from the department.
"The next rounds of BIG will include targeted initiatives for other sectors that may not return to normal for many months such as performing arts and live music venues, event spaces, indoor recreational facilities, movie theaters, and more," Negron explained.
The department is working with small business development centers to reach business owners who may be eligible for assistance. DCEO officials hosted webinars and one-on-one business discussions to provide background information for more than 5,000 businesses representing various industries.
A portion of BIG funds will help childcare providers in need. Providers can apply for the child care restoration grants administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services by clicking .
"Our effort to support families and revitalize our economy are ongoing," Pritzker said. "And I intend to do everything in my power to alleviate the pain that COVID is inflicting across Illinois."
