Aguilar offers info on “Back to Business” Grant Program
As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s overall economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois.
B2B is a key component of the Governor’s $1.5 billion economic recovery plan, aimed toward a swift and equitable deployment of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been designated for Illinois to assist in recovery from the COVID pandemic.
To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level. DCEO has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations will provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses.
Check out the videos on how to fill out the application in English and Spanish
Allies for Community Business (A4CB), DCEO’s grant administrator, is now accepting applications (create an account first and then select your language of choice)
Learn about the information and documentation required
Cicero Chamber Partners with Morton 201 Foundation to host Auction
The Morton 201 Foundation, in partnership with the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a Support Local Online Auction to benefit our Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund from November 28 to December 4.
Since 2019, the Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $30,000. We want to keep that momentum going but we need your help to reach our fundraising goal of $25,000.
We know that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone and the Morton 201 Foundation wants to help promote local businesses while raising money for scholarships.
In exchange for your donation, businesses will be promoted on our online auction site, the Foundation’s website, social media platforms and included in all pre-auction promotional materials.
Businesses will also be acknowledged on the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce websites and social media platforms.
For more details or to make a donation, please contact Scott Goodman at 312-401-0527.
Extra Funds to Help with Electric Bills: LIHEAP Supplemental
Starting this week, your constituents enrolled in LIHEAP within the last twelve months will start to receive a one-time payment in their utility accounts to help with unpaid bills or future costs. Around 227,000 Illinois households already enrolled in LIHEAP will receive about $36 million in federal funds. No action is required from you or your constituents. Thank
Workforce Grant: Apprenticeship Expansion Program
What: The objective of this NOFO is to diversify apprenticeship programs and find innovative ways of employing the apprenticeship model to meet the needs of businesses, resulting in a total of 750 new registered apprenticeship programs by the end of 2024. It is Illinois’ goal to use this NOFO to increase apprenticeship opportunities for historically underrepresented populations.
Potential Applicants: Both public and private organizations that have the ability to grow apprenticeship programs are eligible.
How Much: Potentially 30 grants ranging between $75k and $350k. Up to $5.5 million in total grant funding.
What: Organizations can apply for a grant to deliver their existing veteran federal procurement entrepreneurial training program to veteran-owned small businesses who intend to pursue or already engaged in federal procurement.
Potential Applicants: Non-profit organization or private sector firm
How Much: Up to $500,000, average of $250,000/award
What: The National Endowment of Arts funding will support day-to-day operating costs. Awards are intended to impact a broad constituency, including organizations that serve populations that are underserved. The Arts Endowment funding is available through two separate competitive opportunities: Grants to Organizations and Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting.
Potential Applicants: Nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and units of state or local government. Applicants may be arts organizations, local arts agencies, arts service organizations, local education agencies (school districts), and other organizations that can help advance the goals of the Arts Endowment.
NIST Manufacturing USA Technology Roadmap (MfgTech) Grant Program
What: Grants from the National Institute of Standards and Technology will develop technology roadmaps for promising advanced manufacturing clusters by establishing new or strengthening existing industry-driven consortia that address high-priority research challenges to grow advanced manufacturing in the U.S. The emphasis of this NOFO is on technology roadmapping in areas of critical interest to the nation, including technology areas appropriate for potential future Manufacturing USA institutes.
Potential Applicants: Nearly every type of organization: non-profit, for-profit, units of government.
Finally! Golden Corral is up and running and open for business. On Saturday, May 15th President Larry Dominick joined by his wife Diana Dominick along with Town Officials gathered together to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of this new business.
“What a great occasion for the Town of Cicero. As Town president the board always likes to improve the town and this is a big improvement,” said Town President Larry Dominick. “The people in the Town of Cicero are gonna love this place and I wish the owners nothing but success. We get 43,000 cars a day that go by here. Thank you for being here, keep up the good work it looks beautiful,” added President Dominick
“Golden Corral is the only one for everyone. If you are vegetarian we have many choices for a vegetarians, if you’re a meat lover we have our meat items for everybody, if you’re a dessert lover you can enjoy just the dessert bar and be in heaven. Our service is to die for. We love our guests. They are family to us,” said Maureen Edington Franchise Business Consultant for Golden Corral.
Cicero officials participate in ribbon cutting for new Golden Corral Rerstaurant
The day was filled with lots of photos being taken and celebration.
“We are very pleased to be here this morning for the ribbon cutting ceremony of this new restaurant, Golden Corral. The Town of Cicero continues to see a surge in the opening of new businesses and to be able to open a new business as we continue to fight this terrible covid pandemic is a real pleasure,” said Town Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias. “For the citizens of the town of Cicero not only does this restaurant bring quality food at affordable prices but it has also created jobs. We welcome Golden Corral to the Town of Cicero,” added Clerk Punzo-Arias.
“From the very beginning President Larry Dominick and Project Manager Craig Pesek were very excited to have us here and they were very helpful and supportive from day one. We are thrilled and honored to have a Golden Corral in Cicero,” said Linda Musaitif Co-Owner.
Golden Corral officially opened to the public on Monday May 17th. On that day a line formed outside the buffet by excited enthusiasts to be able to enter with their loved ones and enjoy the new restaurant in Town. The next day not even the rain stopped those from coming and forming a line. The owners even brought and handed out umbrellas to everyone. Every single day since its opening Golden Corral has seen long lines formed but at least the line is expected to move fast.
If you haven’t already, you can visit the Towns newest business located at 3330 S Cicero Ave.
Ribbon cutting for new Golden Corral Restaurant with staff and owners
Cicero da la bienvenida a Golden Corral
¡Finalmente! Golden Corral está en funcionamiento y abierto al público. El sábado 15 de mayo, el presidente Larry Dominick se unió a su esposa Diana Dominick y los funcionarios del municipio se reunieron para celebrar la gran inauguración y el corte de cinta de este nuevo negocio.
“Qué gran ocasión para el municipio de Cicero. Como presidente del municipio, a la junta siempre le gusta mejorar el municipio y esto es una gran mejora”, dijo el presidente del municipio, Larry Dominick. “A la gente del municipio de Cicero le va a encantar este lugar y les deseo a los dueños nada más que éxito. Recibimos 43,000 autos por día que pasan por aquí. Gracias por estar aquí, sigan con el buen trabajo, se ve hermoso”, agregó el presidente Dominick.
“Golden Corral es el único para todos. Si eres vegetariano, tenemos muchas opciones para vegetarianos, si eres un amante de la carne, tenemos nuestras carnes para todos, si eres un amante de los postres, puedes disfrutar solo del los postres y estar en el cielo. Nuestro servicio es para morirse. Amamos a nuestros huéspedes. Son una familia para nosotros “, dijo Maureen Edington, consultora comercial de franquicias de Golden Corral.
El día estuvo lleno de muchas fotos y celebraciones.
“Estamos muy contentos de estar aquí esta mañana para la ceremonia de corte de cinta de este nuevo restaurante, Golden Corral. El municipio de Cicero continúa viendo un aumento en la apertura de nuevos negocios y poder abrir un nuevo negocio a medida que continuamos luchar contra esta terrible pandemia de covid es un verdadero placer ”, dijo la secretaria municipal María Punzo-Arias. “Para los ciudadanos del municipio de Cicero, este restaurante no solo ofrece comida de calidad a precios asequibles, sino que también ha creado empleos. Damos la bienvenida a Golden Corral al municipio de Cicero”, agregó la secretaria municipal Punzo-Arias.
“Desde el principio, el presidente Larry Dominick y el gerente de proyectos Craig Pesek estaban muy emocionados de tenernos aquí y fueron de gran ayuda y apoyo desde el primer día. Estamos encantados y honrados de tener un Golden Corral en Cicero”, dijo Linda Musaitif Co- Dueña.
Golden Corral abrió oficialmente al público el lunes 17 de mayo. Ese día se formó una fila fuera del buffet por entusiastas emocionados para poder entrar con sus seres queridos y disfrutar del nuevo restaurante del municipio. Al día siguiente ni siquiera la lluvia impidió que vinieran y formaran una línea. Los propietarios incluso trajeron y repartieron paraguas a todo el mundo. Todos los días desde su apertura, Golden Corral ha visto formadas largas filas, pero al menos se espera que la línea se mueva rápido.
Si aún no lo ha hecho, puede visitar el negocio más nuevo del municipio ubicado en 3330 al sur de la avenida Cicero.
Cicero Chamber of Commerce announces new Interim Board members
Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero Board of Trustees welcomed the members of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce Interim Board of Directors. The new Interim board is in formation and will be electing officers soon to oversee the programs and services to the Chambers more than 200 members.
The Cicero Chamber of Commerce was relaunched in 2018 organizing many activities and seminars, but suspended activities in early 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The new board will soon announce their officers and begin organizing meetings for business owners from Cicero and licensed Cicero businesses. For more information visit the Chamber’s website at www.CiceroChamberofCommerce.com
Members of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce Interim Board pose with leaders of the Town of Cicero as they launch their new board membership. April 2021
Here are the new Interim Board members.
· Juan Del Real, All State Insurance
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· Annette Reule, Ziyad Brothers Importing.
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· Miguel Garro, PNC/ AVP Branch Manager
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· Antonio Grigorio-Sleivys, President, Santa Fe & Associates.
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· Nivram Morelia Espinosa, Owner, Las Michoacanas Ice Cream Shop
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· Sam Dahle. Liquor Store.
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· Jim Baker, CBC board member & Oak Park Copiers
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· Jose Luis Espinosa, US Auto Parts
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· Andy Peña, El Campeon de las Piñas
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· Edward Velasquez, Velasquez Automatic Music Company
Attending the meeting supporting the new Interim board were Maru Ayala, Cicero Hispanic Liaison, Blanca Vargas, Cicero Hispanic Liaison, Cicero Clerk, Maria Punzo-Arias, Cicero Collector Emo Cundari, Trustees Larry Banks and Victor Garcia, Cicero Town Spokesman and interim Chamber coordinator Ray Hanania, members of th CIcero Business Committee Jeff Davis and Craig Pesek. Business Director Ismael Vargas was also present to support the new Chamber board.
“We want to give the new Chamber leadership as much support as possible to restore this very important organization and to organize events, programs and serve as a conduit between the Town and the business community,” President Dominick said.
“The Chamber is important to our community. We are proud of the many new businesses that have relocated to the Town of Cicero bringing many new jobs but we understand the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created and the Chamber’s role is even more important today. We wish them good luck.”
Nivram Morelia Espinosa, Owner, Las Michoacanas Ice Cream Shop ·Jim Baker, CBC board member & Oak Park Copiers
Annette Ruele, Ziyad Brothers Importing.
Edward Velasquez, Velasquez Automatic Music Company
Miguel Garro, PNC/ AVP Branch Manager
Antonio Grigorio-Sleivys, President, Santa Fe & Associates.
Juan Del Real, All State Insurance
Sam Dahle. Liquor Station Store.
Jose Luis Espinosa, US Auto Parts
(Not pictured is Andy Peña, El Campeon de las Piñas Coladas.)
State offers SBA Paycheck Protection online webinar
The Illinois District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Northeast Region of the Illinois and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are joining to present a webinar on the programs administered by SBA within the Economic Aid Act.
Friday, February 19, 2021 1:00 pm Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00)
These programs will assist in invigorating the small businesses and community organizations affected by COVID-19;
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives of most small business owners around Cook County.
To continue to support small businesses through this difficult time, Cook County’s COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program is planning a finance-focused webinar, titled “It’s Your Turn: Time to Survive and Thrive – PPP and More”, for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.
All small business owners in Cook County are welcome to register for the free event at https://t2m.io/itsyourturnppp.
The webinar will discuss the reopened Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and how small businesses can work with local lenders to secure assistance.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives from Small Business Assistance Program partner organizations and small business owners who have received assistance from the program in the past — like Luz Cavazos, owner of Juicy Luzy Sangria — will speak during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join small group discussions.
“Getting that email was a blessing,” Cavazos said of finding out about the Small Business Assistance Program. “I’m grateful for the grant we got, because if we wouldn’t have gotten it… it was literally just making it, not knowing how long you had.”
The County also invites small businesses to sign up for the Cook County – Chicago Business Advising Program, also known as technical assistance, which provides individualized assistance to business owners to help them address needs; acquire new capital and customers; understand finances, as well as change and risk management; adjust business models; and operate under changing safety regulations. This assistance is provided by program partners like Accion, Chicago Urban League, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Development Center, Berwyn Development Corporation, Chicago TREND, Cook County Black Chamber Corporation and Southland Development Authority.
ABOUT THE COOK COUNTY COVID-19 RECOVERY SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program provides support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers advising for small businesses in Cook County and grants for small businesses in suburban Cook County and the unincorporated areas. For more information about the program, visit https://t2m.io/CookCountySBassist.
Are you a restaurant or bar employee? Register for our Webinar: Support and Assistance for Restaurant & Bar Workers
Join us for a webinar on Thursday, 12/17 at 10:00 (CST) to learn more about:
How to apply for relief
Information about other organizations and assistance programs helping the food and beverage industry
Introductory remarks will be provided by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, Tenth District. Hear from panelists from the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Southern Smoke Foundation, and the West Suburban Cook County American Job Center.
This webinar is being produced in partnership with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative.
The Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program, in partnership with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, can help you get back to work and find new careers.
Apply by clicking the button below or call them at 1-800-720-2515.
Are You Behind on Bills? Apply for Utility Assistance before Winter Arrives!
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) has programs to assist eligible residents with paying utility bills.
If you or someone you love are in need of support, you can access programs to pay for your utility bills with our partners at CEDA. Call them at (800) 571-2332.
They offer support through the following programs and online applications. The programs currently open are:
Chamber launches new Spotlight on Cicero Businesses Program with Profile on Bimbo Bakeries
The Cicero Chamber of Commerce and Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero board of trustees have partnered to launch a new program to help put the spotlight on the successful practices of local businesses that are successfully coping with the coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic.
(View the video interview below)
Called “Spotlight on Cicero Businesses,” the program features regular Zoom Video interviews with selected Cicero based companies and discusses the challenges they have faced in the pandemic and how they have addressed those challenges.
Representatives from each company will discuss their Best Practices they employ to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the product, customers and employees.
Spotlight on Cicero Businesses with Bimbo Bakery. Dec. 6, 2020 with Moises Chavez, Plant Manager for Bimbo Bakeries in Cicero and Ray Hanania, spokesman for the Town of Cicero and program host. Image courtesy of the Town of Cicero and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce.
The first interview was conducted this past week with Moises Chavez, the Plant Manager for Bimbo Bakeries’ Cicero location at 1540 S. 54th Avenue. Bimbo Bakery has 60 locations in the United States, two in the Chicagoland region and 200 around the World.
Bimbo Bakeries employs 400 individuals at the Cicero location and is planning to expand their production there and hire 40 more employees in the next few months. The Cicero location produces more than 2 million units of product each week that include Entenmann’s, Bimbo, and Marinela products . Bimbo Bakeries produces food products under 21 total brands that include Thomas, Sara Lee, Beefsteak and Boboli to name only a few.
“Bimbo is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and I am very proud to be working with them,” Chavez said during the 30 minute interview.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity COVID-19 grants still available
The DCEO is still accepting applications for Business Interruption Grants.
However, applications will soon close since we’re nearing the end of the year, so we’re encouraging a final push to get the word out to small businesses.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the DCEO’s Regional Economic Development team for more information.
Chamber hosts gathering Wednesday Oct. 13 The Cicero Chamber of Commerce is inviting all licensed Cicero businesses to attend a “Meet & Greet” event with the new Interim Board of Directors on Wednesday, Oct. 13 beginning at 5 PM at the Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Avenue. The special guest speaker will be Ismael Vargas, Business License Department Director. Please RSVP with your name, business name, business address to Maru Ayala, by email at MaruAyala0@gmail.com (MaruAyala (zero) @ Gmail.com).
Aguilar offers info on “Back to Business” Grant Program As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s overall economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois. B2B is a key component of the Governor’s $1.5 billion economic recovery plan, aimed toward a swift and equitable deployment of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been designated for Illinois to assist in recovery from the COVID pandemic. To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level. DCEO has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations will provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses. How to apply: Application Portal Now Open. Apply here! Applications can be tracked in real-time Check out the videos on how to fill out the application in English and Spanish Allies for Community Business (A4CB), DCEO’s grant administrator, is now accepting applications (create an account first and then select your language of choice) Learn about the information and documentation required Documentation required also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Documentation needed: Business owner ID (ITIN business owners eligible) Business’s 2019 AND 2020 Federal tax returns Two (2) business bank statements – one from the period April through December 2020, and most recent statement List of Frequently Asked Questions also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic If you have any questions regarding your Back to Business application process please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. District Office 7833 Ogden Avenue Lyons, IL 60534 (708)-447-5461 Downtown Office 118 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 603-4735
Cicero welcomes opening of new Jimmy Johns fast food restaurant Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Opens in Cicero. New Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop at 3312 S Cicero Will Immediately Begin Serving Freaky Fast, Freaky Fresh® Sandwiches. New business Town President Larry Dominick Tuesday welcomed the official opening of the Jimmy John’s Sandwich shop at 3312 S. Cicero Avenue. The restaurant opened this week. “We are proud of the many new businesses and industries that have come to the Town of Cicero bringing not only great quality products from food to retail items,” President Dominick said Tuesday (August 31, 2021). “Not only do the many new businesses bring great products but they also bring new jobs for our residents, and contribute to the Town’s sales tax revenues which alleviates the tax burden on residents and business property. We are proud to welcome Jimmy Johns to the Town of Cicero and encourage residents to patronize the business and always shop local.” Here is the release from Jimmy Johns. CICERO, IL (August 31st, 2021) – A new Jimmy John’s sandwich shop located at 3312 S Cicero is now open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and ready to serve gourmet sandwiches to the people of Cicero. “This will be our first store in Cicero and our team is excited to serve fresh, fast and tasty sandwiches to a new set of customers in the area,” said owner Sal Abdallah. “Whether it’s in our new store, through contactless delivery or ordered through our Freaky Fast Rewards® loyalty program – our team is ready to serve even more guests on their terms in a way that only Jimmy John’s can deliver. Abdallah says he plans to hire around 25 employees. Anyone interested in applying can call or text 708.639.8282 or email afssubsllc@gmail.com. Founded in 1983., Jimmy John’s has built its reputation on serving up fast and fresh sandwiches in communities across the country and is one of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S. with over 2,700 Jimmy John’s locations across 43 states. The new Jimmy John’s in Cicero will deliver sandwiches right to your door if you are inside the delivery area and offers convenient catering for any occasion. Customers can stop by the new location, call the store at 708.477.4949, or order online at online.jimmyjohns.com or through the Jimmy John’s mobile app.
Cicero Chamber Partners with Morton 201 Foundation to host Auction The Morton 201 Foundation, in partnership with the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce, is hosting a Support Local Online Auction to benefit our Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund from November 28 to December 4. Since 2019, the Pay It Forward Scholarship Fund has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $30,000. We want to keep that momentum going but we need your help to reach our fundraising goal of $25,000. We know that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone and the Morton 201 Foundation wants to help promote local businesses while raising money for scholarships. In exchange for your donation, businesses will be promoted on our online auction site, the Foundation’s website, social media platforms and included in all pre-auction promotional materials. Businesses will also be acknowledged on the Berwyn Development Corporation and the Cicero Chamber of Commerce websites and social media platforms. For more details or to make a donation, please contact Scott Goodman at 312-401-0527.
Back to Business Grant Program Overview As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s overall economic recovery strategy, the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aims to deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. State Representative Lisa Hernandez and Town President Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero Board are supporting and promoting the program widely, and encourage local businesses to apply for the grant support. The B2B grant program builds on the success of last year’s Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program – an equity focused business relief program, which directed $290 million to 9,000 businesses in 98 communities across Illinois. B2B is a key component of the Governor’s $1.5 billion economic recovery plan, aimed toward a swift and equitable deployment of American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been designated for Illinois to assist in recovery from the COVID pandemic. To assist small businesses with the B2B application process and other upcoming or ongoing economic recovery grant programs offered at the State or federal level. DCEO has invested $9 million in support of Community Navigator organizations working in every region of the state. These organizations will provide technical assistance to businesses, with a focus on underserved businesses including minority, rural, veteran and women-owned businesses. Funding available: $250 million to small businesses across the state that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19, including the following set-asides. $100 million – Businesses located in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs). (See DIA Map below) $30 million – Arts and Entertainment businesses that didn’t receive Shuttered Venue Operators grants $25 million – Restaurants and taverns that didn’t receive the Restaurant Revitalization Fund $25 million – Hotels $25 million – Businesses that didn’t receive a BIG grant due to exhaustion of funds Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations/staff/overhead costs Up to $250,000 for hotels Eligibility requirements: Businesses with revenues of $20 million or less in 2019 and a reduction in revenue in 2020 due to COVID-19 $35 million or less for hotels Priority will be given to the following categories: Hard-hit industries (see eligibility guidelines for a full list of priority industries and their definitions) Hard-hit areas – DIAs comprising of 176 zip codes Businesses who have yet to qualify for state funding or federal assistance (including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), business Interruption Grant (BIG), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and more) Businesses that had less than $5 million in revenue in 2019 Learn about eligibility guidelines Eligibility guidelines also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Upon receiving an award, all grantees will need to sign the program Certification Agreement. How to apply: Application Portal Now Open Applications can be tracked in real-time Allies for Community Business (A4CB), DCEO’s grant administrator, is now accepting applications (create an account first and then select your language of choice) Learn about the information and documentation required Documentation required also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Documentation needed: Business owner ID (ITIN business owners eligible) Business’s 2019 AND 2020 Federal tax returns Two (2) business bank statements – one from the period April through December 2020, and most recent statement List of Frequently Asked Questions also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic Need help? Application assistance and webinars Over 100 community navigators providing 1:1 regional support service for small businesses. Find your community outreach partner including navigators, SBDCs, as well as DCEO Support Teams with the B2B search tool or view the list by name, county, or language service. View recordings of past webinars: 8/13/2021 8/13/2021 (Spanish) 8/17/2021 8/19/2021
Upcoming Events
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WATCH FOR NEWS and UPDATES on the CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC … SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THIS CRISIS —
Cicero welcomes opening of new Jimmy Johns fast food restaurant Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop Opens in Cicero. New Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop at 3312 S Cicero …
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Assistance Program to offer financial wellness webinar Jan. 27 The COVID-19 pandemic introduced uncertainty and fear to the lives …
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