Cook County Offers programs for businesses |
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Cook County Offers programs for businesses
Category: Business Support
Chamber launches new Business Spotlight Program with Profile on Bimbo Bakeries
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.
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.
Click here to visit Bimbo Bakeries website.
Click here to view the video interview online or use the widget below.
If you would like to have your business spotlighted, please email Ray Hanania at the Town of Cicero at rhanania@thetownofcicero.com.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity COVID-19 grants still available
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.
Click this link for more information.
Click this link for Grant Applications.
Illinois begins “Tier 3” restrictions November 20
Illinois begins “Tier 3” restrictions November 20
Click here for Spanish version
Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations
With a new wave of COVID-19 surging across the state of Illinois and the nation, the state is committed to listening to public health experts and following the science to keep people safe. Tier 3 builds on the Resurgence Mitigation Plan first released in July to suppress the spread of the virus and ensure our hospitals do not become overrun. This new tier aims to limit gatherings and encourages people to stay home to the greatest extent possible, while permitting some industries to remain open at significantly reduced capacities with proper safety measures in place. All detailed Phase 4 operational guidance remains in effect. Where Phase 4 guidance and Tier 3 Mitigations imply different standards, the more restrictive Tier 3 Mitigations will apply. School districts and local officials should follow extensive guidance released by IDPH and ISBE in August and make decisions related to in-person and remote learning at the local level, based on the unique needs of their communities. Child care facilities may continue to operate subject to DCFS guidelines.
With COVID-19 spread now exponential in every region of the state, our statewide positivity rate at record highs and hospitalizations already surpassing our Spring peak, all 11 regions will move into Tier 3 effective November 20, 2020 at 12:01am.
The new mitigation requirements to combat the surge of COVID-19 across Illinois are as follows:
SETTING
Mitigation Requirements
Retail (including service counters)
- Operate at no more than 25% capacity, including general merchandise stores, “big box” stores that offer groceries and pharmacy, and convenience stores
- Grocery stores and pharmacies may operate at up to 50% capacity
- Encourage delivery or curbside pickup options wherever possible
- When in-store shopping is necessary, promote efficient trips and consistent circulation
Personal Care Service
- Operate at lesser of 25 clients or 25% capacity
- Face coverings must be worn at all times by clients and service providers
- Suspend services where a face covering cannot be worn (e.g. facials, beard trims)
- Physical, occupational and massage therapy allowed as deemed necessary by a medical provider, but appointments must be spaced by a minimum of 15 minutes and facilities should take steps to sanitize and circulate clean air through service rooms before and after each service
- Virtual consultations recommended
Health and Fitness Centers
- Operate at no more than 25% capacity
- No indoor group classes
- Face coverings must be worn at all times, including while engaged in individual exercise regardless of person or machine spacing
- Reservations required
- Locker room areas should be closed
Hotels
- Hotel room occupancy should be limited to registered guests only, with the maximum allowance being the number of individuals permissible per existing fire code for each applicable guest room
- Fitness centers should be closed, or operated only on a reservation model, with capacity limited to 25% of the maximum occupancy for the room.
- Grab and go food allowed
- Event and meeting space closed
Manufacturing
- Additional COVID training for all employees required even if previous training occurred
- Operators should coordinate with IDPH to implement testing protocols and contact tracing, upon request, consistent with available testing supplies
- All employees must wear face coverings at all times unless eating or drinking. Exemptions only for safety purposes.
- Only manufacturing staff and key personnel allowed in facilities. Non-production employees must work remotely. Non-essential staff and visitors are not permitted. Exemptions only for critical equipment repairs, supply deliveries and safety reasons (“critical visitors”).
- All critical visitors must have an Employee Health and Safety (EHS)-approved risk-assessment done in advance, including travel history, tracking, and temperature check prior to entrance.
- Implement additional workstation realignment when feasible
- Stagger and space shifts, and designate shift entrances and exits (when possible) to minimize interactions of employees across unique shift groupings
- Station sanitation required at beginning and ending of shifts
- Operators must suspend covid-related incentive pay and promote staying home when sick or showing symptoms
- Implement temporary leave policies to accommodate workers who are sick
- Develop and implement safety protocols for employee travel vans to promote spacing, require face coverings, temperature checks, air circulation, and vehicle sanitization
Bars and Restaurants
- All bars and restaurants close at 11pm and may reopen no earlier than 6am the following day
- No indoor service
- All bar and restaurant patrons should be seated at tables outside
- No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
- Tables should be 6 feet apart
- No standing or congregating outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
- No dancing or standing indoors
- No tables exceeding 6 people
- Reservations required for each party
- No seating of multiple parties at one table
- Indoor gaming terminals must suspend operations
- Includes private clubs and country clubs
Meetings, social events and gatherings (including weddings, potlucks, etc.)
- Limit in home gatherings to household members
- Meeting rooms, banquet centers, private party rooms, private clubs and country clubs may not host gatherings
- No party buses
- Funerals are limited to 10 family members of the decedents, not including staff, see IDPH guidance
Office
- All employees who can work remotely should work remotely
Organized group recreational activities (sports, indoor sports and activity facilities, etc.)
- Pause all indoor group sporting and recreational activities including youth and adult recreational sports, individual training may remain (with facility reservation)
- Includes park districts and travel leagues
- Outdoor sports and recreation allowed
- Participant groups and practices outdoors limited to 10 persons or less with social distancing
- Face coverings required for all activities at all times
- Locker rooms should be closed
Indoor recreation, theaters, cultural Institutions (e.g. casinos, bowling, arcades, movie theaters, museums and zoos)
- Gaming and casinos close
- Indoor recreation centers, including theaters, performing arts centers and indoor museums and amusement centers close
- Live streaming of performances encouraged with social distancing of performers and minimum operational staff
- Outdoor activities allowed at 25% capacity or less
- Outdoor group activities limited to 10 persons or less, participants/guests must wear face coverings at all times
- Reservations required for each guest for outdoor activities
The provisions above apply to industries/sectors with Restore Illinois Phase 4 guidance or other mitigations. Other functions (i.e. infrastructure, governments, logistics and warehousing etc.) that previously have not been subject to specific guidance may continue regular operations but are encouraged to voluntarily take proactive steps to support new mitigation strategy wherever possible. In these areas, customer serving functions should be limited to 25 percent capacity, aligned with Retail mitigations, and maximize work from home wherever possible.
IDPH will continue to track the positivity rates and hospital capacity metrics in regions over a 14-day monitoring period to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigation should remain in place. In order for a region to move back to Tier 2 mitigations, a region must experience less than 12 percent test positivity rate for three consecutive days AND greater than 20 percent available intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital bed availability AND declining COVID hospitalizations in 7 out of the last 10 days.
Follow the latest regional metrics at: https://dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics.
For more information on guidance for businesses and frequently asked questions (FAQ) please visit the FAQ on DCEO’s website.
Mitigations will be applied on a regional basis based on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regions that have traditionally guided IDPH in its statewide public health work. Expanding to 11 regions allows for a more granular approach in this phase of the response to COVID-19. The regions follow county lines to account for counties that are in more than one region of the EMS system. The regions are as follows:
- 1. NORTH: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago
- 2. NORTH-CENTRAL: Bureau, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Woodford
- 3. WEST-CENTRAL: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Greene, Hancock, Jersey, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott
- 4. METRO EAST: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington
- 5. SOUTHERN: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, Williamson
- 6. EAST-CENTRAL: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Iroquois, Jasper, Lawrence, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Richland, Shelby, Vermillion
- 7. SOUTH SUBURBAN: Kankakee, Will
- 8. WEST SUBURBAN: DuPage, Kane
- 9. NORTH SUBURBAN: Lake, McHenry
- 10. SUBURBAN COOK: Suburban Cook
- 11. CHICAGO: City of Chicago
SPANISH VERSION
Regulaciones ante el resurgimiento del Coronavirus 9, nivel 3.
Con una nueva ola de COVID-19 en todo el estado de Illinois y en la nación, Illinois está comprometido a escuchar a los expertos en salud pública y a seguir las advertencias de la ciencia para mantener la seguridad y la salud de nuestros residentes. El Nivel 3 se basa en el Plan de Mitigación lanzado por primera vez en Julio del 2020 para suprimir la propagación del virus y para garantizar así que nuestros hospitales no se vean inundados de pacientes. Este nuevo nivel tiene como objetivo limitar las reuniones y anima a las personas a quedarse en casa en la mayor medida posible, al tiempo que permite que algunas industrias permanezcan abiertas a capacidades significativamente reducidas bajo las medidas de seguridad adecuadas. Toda la orientación operativa detallada en la Fase 4 permanece en vigor. La orientación de la Fase 4 y las Mitigaciones de Nivel 3 implican estándares diferentes. Ante esta situación, se aplicarán las Mitigaciones de Nivel 3 más restrictivas. Los distritos escolares y los funcionarios locales deben seguir la amplia guía publicada por IDPH (Illinois Dept. of Public Health) y por el ISBE (Illinois Board of Education) en agosto y deben tomar las decisiones relacionadas al aprendizaje en persona y de forma remota a nivel local, de acuerdo a las necesidades únicas de sus comunidades. Las instalaciones de cuidado infantil pueden seguir funcionando de acuerdo con las pautas del DCFS (Departamento de Servicios para Niños y Familias de Illinois).
Con la propagación de COVID-19 ahora en todas las regiones del estado de Illinois, nuestra tasa de positividad en todo el estado muestra niveles récord. Con las hospitalizaciones que ya superan nuestros números registrados en la pasada primavera, las 11 regiones pasarán al Nivel 3 a partir del 20 de noviembre de 2020.
Los nuevos requisitos de mitigación para combatir el aumento de COVID-19 en Illinois son los siguientes:
AJUSTES
Requisitos para mitigar el peligro
Comercios (incluidos los comercios de servicio)
- Las tiendas “grandes” o sea las que ofrecen abarrotes y servicio de farmacia y las tiendas de pequeños artículos deben operar a no más del 25% de su capacidad, en esas están incluidas las tiendas de mercadería general.
- Las tiendas de comestibles y las farmacias pueden operar con hasta un 50% de su capacidad.
- Ofrezca las opciones de entrega de productos o de servicio para recoger estos artículos en la acera, siempre que sea posible.
- Cuando sea necesario comprar dentro de la tienda, promueva que los viajes sean eficientes y procure una circulación constante
Servicio de cuidado personal
- Opere con menos de 25 clientes o con un 25% de capacidad.
- Los clientes y proveedores de servicios deben usar cubiertas faciales en todo momento.
- Suspenda los servicios donde no se puede usar una cubierta facial (por ejemplo, tratamientos faciales, recortes de barba).
- Terapia física, ocupacional y de masajes será permitida según lo considere necesario un proveedor médico, pero las citas deben tener un intervalo mínimo de 15 minutos y las instalaciones deben tomar las medidas necesarias para desinfectar y para hacer circular un aire limpio a través de las salas de servicio antes y después de cada servicio.
- Se recomiendan las consultas virtuales o sea vía Internet.
Centros de salud y de ejercicios
- Deben opere a no más del 25% de su capacidad
- Que no hayan clases de grupo bajo techo
- Se deben usar cubiertas faciales en todo momento, incluso mientras se realizan ejercicios individuales, independientemente del espacio entre personas o entre máquinas.
- Se requieren reservaciones
- Las áreas de vestuario deben estar cerradas
Hoteles
- La ocupación de la habitación del hotel debe limitarse solo a los huéspedes registrados, y la asignación máxima es la cantidad de personas permitidas según el código de incendios existente para cada habitación correspondiente.
- Los gimnasios deben estar cerrados u operados solo con reservaciones, con capacidad limitada al 25% de la ocupación máxima de la habitación.
- Se permite la comida para llevar
- Los espacios para eventos y reuniones deben ser cerrados
Fabricación
- Se requiere capacitación adicional sobre el COVID para todos los empleados, incluso si se realizó una capacitación previa
- Los operadores deben coordinarse con el IDPH (Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois) para implementar protocolos de prueba y rastreo de contactos, a pedido, de acuerdo con los suministros de prueba disponibles.
- Todos los empleados deben usar cubiertas para la cara en todo momento a menos que vayan a comer o que beban líquidos. Habrá excepciones solamente por motivos de seguridad.
- Solo el personal de fabricación y el personal necesario debe ser permitido en las instalaciones. Los empleados que no son de producción deben trabajar de forma remota. No se permitirá visitantes ni personal no esencial. Excepciones debe haber solo para reparaciones de equipos críticos, entregas de suministros y por razones de seguridad (“visitantes críticos”).
- Todos los visitantes esenciales deben tener una evaluación de riesgos aprobada por adelantado por el manual de ‘Employee Health and Safety (EHS / de salud y seguridad de los empleados), incluido el historial de viajes, seguimiento y el control de la temperatura corporal antes de la entrar al edificio.
- Implementar una realineación adicional de la estación de trabajo cuando sea posible
- Escalonar y espaciar los turnos, y designar las entradas y salidas de los turnos (cuando sea posible) para minimizar las interacciones de los empleados en grupos de turnos únicos.
- Se requiere saneamiento de cada estación de trabajo al comienzo y al final de los turnos
- Los operadores deben suspender el pago de incentivos relacionados al virus Covid y promover quedarse en casa cuando los empleados estén enfermos o muestren síntomas
- Implementar políticas de permiso temporal para acomodar a los trabajadores que están enfermos
- Desarrollar e implementar protocolos de seguridad para las camionetas de transporte de los empleados que promuevan el distanciamiento, el uso de las cubiertas faciales, los controles de temperatura, la circulación de aire y la desinfección del vehículo.
Bares y restaurantes
- Todos los bares y restaurantes deben cerrar a las 11 p. m. Pueden volver a abrir no antes de las 6 de la manan del día siguiente
- Que no haya servicio interior
- Todos los clientes del bar y restaurante deben sentarse en mesas al aire libre
- No ordenar, sentarse o reunirse en la barra (los taburetes de la barra deben quitarse)
- Las mesas deben tener una distancia de 6 pies entre si
- Las personas No deben pararse o reunirse frente al establecimiento mientras esperan una mesa o al salir del mismo.
- No se debe bailar ni estar de pie en el interior del inmueble
- Que no haya mesas con más de 6 personas
- Se requieren reservaciones para cada grupo de comensales
- Que no haya asientos para grupos variados de personas en una sola mesa
- Las terminales de juegos al azar deben suspender sus operaciones
- Esto incluye clubes privados y los clubes de campo (country clubs)
Las reuniones, los eventos sociales y otras encuentros sociales (incluidas las bodas, eventos de comidas compartidas, etc.)
- Limite las reuniones en el hogar a los miembros del hogar.
- Las salas de reuniones, los centros de banquetes, las salas de fiestas privadas, los clubes privados y los clubes de campo NO pueden organizar reuniones.
- No serán permitidos los autobuses de alquiler para hacer fiestas
- Los funerales están limitados a 10 miembros de la familia de los difuntos, sin incluir al personal, consulte la guía del IDPH
En la Oficina
- Todos los empleados que puedan trabajar de forma remota deben trabajar de forma remota.
Deben suspenderse las actividades recreativas organizadas en grupo (deportes, deportes bajo techo e instalaciones para actividades, etc.)
- Se deben pausar todas las actividades deportivas y recreativas en grupo bajo techo. Esto incluye los deportes recreativos para jóvenes y adultos, el entrenamiento individual puede permanecer (con una reservación de las instalaciones).
- Esto incluye distritos de parques y las ligas de viajes (travel leagues)
- Se permiten los deportes y la recreación al aire libre
- Grupos de participantes y prácticas al aire libre limitados a 10 personas o menos con distanciamiento social
- Se requieren cubiertas faciales para todas las actividades en todo momento.
- Los vestuarios deben estar cerrados
La recreación en interiores, teatros, instituciones culturales (por ejemplo, casinos, sitios para jugar bolos, las salas de juego, los cines, los museos y zoológicos)
- Cierre de juegos y casinos
- Centros de recreación en interiores, incluidos teatros, centros de artes escénicas y museos y centros de diversiones en interiores deben permanecer cerrados
- Se pide que la transmisión en vivo de actuaciones sea con distanciamiento social de los artistas, de los intérpretes o de los ejecutantes y que el personal operativo se mantenga a un número mínimo
- Actividades al aire libre permitidas al 25% de su capacidad o menos
- Actividades en grupo al aire libre deben ser limitadas a 10 personas o menos. Los participantes / invitados deben usar cubiertas faciales en todo momento
- Se requieren reservaciones para cada huésped para actividades al aire libre
Las disposiciones anteriores se aplican a las industrias y/o a los sectores bajo las Órdenes de Orientación Illinois Fase 4 u otras mitigaciones. Otras funciones (es decir, infraestructura, gobiernos, logística y almacenamiento, etc.) que anteriormente no han estado sujetas a una guía específica pueden continuar con las operaciones regulares, pero se les anima a tomar voluntariamente medidas proactivas para apoyar la nueva estrategia de mitigación siempre que sea posible. En estas áreas, las funciones de servicio al cliente deben limitarse al 25 por ciento de la capacidad, alinearse con las mitigaciones asignadas a los servicios al cliente y debe maximizar el trabajo desde casa siempre que sea posible.
IDPH (Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois) continuará rastreando las tasas de positividad y las cifras de capacidad hospitalaria en las regiones mencionadas durante un período de monitoreo de 14 días para determinar si las mitigaciones pueden disminuir, si se requieren mitigaciones adicionales o si la mitigación actual debe permanecer en su lugar. Para que una región vuelva a las mitigaciones de Nivel 2, una región debe experimentar una tasa de positividad de la prueba de menos del 12 por ciento durante tres días consecutivos y debe tener más del 20 por ciento de disponibilidad de unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y camas de hospital. Debe también registrar una disminución de las hospitalizaciones por COVID en 7 de los últimos 10 días.
Siga las cifras regionales más recientes visitando: https://dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics.
Para obtener más información sobre la orientación para empresas y para las preguntas más frecuentes (FAQ), visite el sitio web de DCEO (Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity)
Las restricciones se aplicarán a nivel regional basadas en los servicios médicos de emergencia (EMS) regionales que tradicionalmente han guiado al IDPH en su trabajo de salud pública en todo el estado. La expansión a 11 regiones permite un enfoque más detallado en esta fase de la respuesta al virus COVID-19. Las regiones siguen los límites fronterizos condales para incorporar partes de los condados que se encuentran en más de una región bajo el sistema EMS.
Las regiones son las siguientes:
- 1. NORTE: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago
- 2. NORTE-CENTRAL: Bureau, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Kendall, Knox, La Salle, Livingston, Marshall, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Woodford
- 3. OESTE-CENTRAL: Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Greene, Hancock, Jersey, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott
- 4. METRO ESTE: Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington
- 5. SUR: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, Williamson
- 6. ESTE-CENTRAL: Champaign, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Iroquois, Jasper, Lawrence, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, Richland, Shelby, Vermillion
- 7. SUBURBANO SUR: Kankakee, Will
- 8. SUBURBANO OESTE: DuPage, Kane
- 9. SUBURBANO NORTE: Lake, McHenry
- 10. COOK SUBURBANO: Cook suburbano
- 11. CHICAGO: Ciudad de Chicago
Illinois Offers support for Latino Businesses
Illinois Offers support for Latino Businesses
As the Latino Business Development Manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), I wanted to make sure you were aware of the following. For some of you the information is a reminder and for others it is new.
- The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Round 2 is STILL OPENED. This is a grant program for small business not a loan program.
- For more information in English and Spanish please click here.
- Eligibility guidelines in English click here or in Spanish click here.
- Business Certification Form and Eligible Cost list in English click here or in Spanish click here.
- Guidance for BIG Awards and Other Federal Support Such as PPP and EIDL (Non-Duplication of Benefits) in English click here or in Spanish click here.
- BIG webinar recording in English click here or in Spanish click here.
- If you have questions in English click here or in Spanish click here
- Apply in English click here or in Spanish click here.
*If you use an ITIN for your business you can apply as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
**If you need help applying, please let me know.
***If you applied and haven’t received a status update, you can request one by filling out this form in English click here or in Spanish click here.
- Webinars on BIG
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- Southern, Southeast, West Central, Northwest Latinx Business Webinars,November 13, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
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- Central, Southwest, North Central, Northern Stateline Latinx Business Webinars, November 18, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
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- Northeast, East Central Latinx Business Webinars, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. Register HERE
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- OMEE Latinx Women Owned Business BIG Webinar, December 9, at 2:00 p.m. Register HERE
- (Will county businesses) Will County Small Business Assistance Grant Program
- For more information please click here. You can apply in English and Spanish.
- Deadline to apply is November 16, 2020.
- (Chicago Restaurants and Bars) Chicago Hospitality Grant Program
- For more information please click here. You an apply in English or Spanish.
- Deadline to apply is November 23 at 11:59 pm
- Private Funding
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- (Latina Owned Business) Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs – For more information please click here.
- Deadline is November 13, 2020.
- (Latina Owned Business) Ford Driving Dreams Latina Entrepreneurs – For more information please click here.
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- (Chicagoland Area Restaurants) DishRoulette Kitchen 2 Kitchen – grant for minority owned restaurants in the Chicagoland area. For more information visit:https://www.dishroulettekitchen.com/. You can apply in English or Spanish. Open to undocumented business owners.
If you have questions, please let me know.
Diana Alfaro, Latino Business Development Manager
Hola,
Como la Gerente de Desarrollo para Negocios Latinos para el Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidades Económicas (DCEO por sus siglas en inglés) de Illinois, yo quería asegurarme de que sepan lo siguiente. Para unos de ustedes un poco de esta información va a hacer nueva información, para otros va a hacer recordatorios.
- Programa de Subsidios por Interrupción Comercial (BIG por sus siglas en inglés) todavíaestá abierta. Es una subvención/beca no un préstamo.
- Para más información en inglés o español, visite aquí.
- Directrices de elegibilidad, para español haga clic aquí o para inglés haga clic aquí
- Formulario de Certificación Comercial y Lista de costos Elegibles, para español haga clic aquí o para inglés haga clic aquí.
- Pautas para empresas y organizaciones que reciben subvención por interrupción de negocios (Business Interruption Grants, BIG) y fondos de otros programas de la Ley CARES (PPP y EIDL), para español haga clic aquí o para inglés haga clic aquí.
- Grabación de seminario web sobre BIG para español haga clic aquí o para inglés haga clic aquí
- Si tiene preguntas en español haga clic aquí o en ingles haga clic aquí
- Para aplicar en español haga clic aquí o en inglés haga clic aquí
*Si usar un número de ITIN para su negocio, usted puede aplicar si cumple con los criterios de elegibilidad.
**Si necesita ayuda para aplicar, por favor hágame saber.
***Si usted aplicó y no ha recibido una actualización, usted puede solicitar una llenando este formulario en español haga clic aquí o en inglés haga clic aquí.
- Seminarios Web
- (en español) Por todo el estado seminario web para empresas Latinx, 12 de noviembre a las 2:00 p.m. Registrarse aquí. También estará en Illinois DCEO Facebook Live.
(en inglés) Del Sur, Sureste, Centro Oeste, Noroeste seminario web para empresas Latinx, 13 de noviembre a las 2:00 p.m., Registrarse aquí.
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- (en inglés) Central, Sur oeste, Norte central, Norte de Illinois seminario web para empresas Latinx, 18 de noviembre a las 2:00 p.m. Registrarse aquí.
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- (en inglés) Noreste, Este central seminario web para empresas Latinx, 20 de noviembre a las 10:00 a.m. Registrarse aquí.
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- (en inglés) OMEE seminario web para propiedad de mujeres Latinas/X, 9 de diciembre a las 2:00 p.m. Registrarse aquí.
- (Empresas en condado de Will) Programa de subvenciones de asistencia para pequeñas empresas del condado de Will
- Para más información haga clic aquí. Usted puede aplicar en inglés o español.
- Fecha límite es el 16 de noviembre de 2020.
- (Restaurantes y bares en Chicago) Programa de Subvención de Hospitalidad de Chicago
- Para más información por favor haga clic aquí. Usted puede aplicar en inglés o español.
- Fecha límite es 23 de noviembre a las 11:59 p.m.
- Financiamiento Privado
- (Empresas propiedad de Latinas) Ford Driving Dream Emprendedoras Latinas – Para más información haga clic aquí. Información solamente esta en inglés.
- Fecha límite es 13 de noviembre de 2020.
- (Empresas propiedad de Latinas) Ford Driving Dream Emprendedoras Latinas – Para más información haga clic aquí. Información solamente esta en inglés.
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- Restaurantes de Chicagoland (áreas en y alrededor de Chicago) DishRoulette Kitchen 2 Kitchen – Subvención para restaurantes propiedad de minorías. El restaurante debe está en o alrededor de Chicago. Para más información visita:https://www.dishroulettekitchen.com/aplica (información en español). Puede aplicar en inglés o español. Este programa está abierto también para dueños de negocios indocumentados.
Si tiene preguntas hágame saber.
New COVID-19 restrictions on Alcohol sales begins Friday Oct. 23, 2020
New COVID-19 restrictions on Alcohol sales begins Friday Oct. 23, 2020
New Executive Order that impacts bars and restaurants prohibits drinking of alcohol after 10 PM, or the sale of alcohol for consumption on site by 9 pm
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Effective Friday, October 23, 2020 at noon regarding serving liquor:
Cease indoor and outdoor consumption of alcohol at 10:00 p.m. Restaurants and food establishments may continue to serve food for indoor and outdoor dining after 10:00 p.m.
All bars that serve alcohol for on-site consumption must end alcohol service at 9:00 p.m. before closing at 10:00 p.m.
Cease all sales of alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption between 10:00 p.m. and the following day at the hour at which the licensee is permitted to resume.
Restaurants or establishments serving food may continue operating after 10:00 p.m. to serve food and provide curb-side pick-up or carry-out delivery of food.
Carry-out or delivery of alcohol after 10:00 p.m. is prohibited.
Prominently post signage, in a form prescribed by the Town’s Local Liquor Commissioner or Deputy Local Liquor Commissioner at each publicly accessible entrance to the establishment and in any area of the establishment where alcoholic liquor is sold, informing patrons of the 10:00 p.m. closure or cessation of alcoholic liquor for sale.
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The full order is printed below:
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COVID-19 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2020-12
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation (the “Disaster Proclamation”) due to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) and declared all counties in the State of Illinois as a disaster area, which has been continually renewed at least every thirty (30) days and on March 13, 2020 and President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak; and
WHEREAS, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-43 on June 26, 2020, that affirmed a local government body may enact provisions that are stricter than those in the Executive Order; and
WHEREAS, recently there has been a rapid rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations over the past two weeks in the region; and
WHEREAS, it remains imperative to maintain social distancing and not permit groups of individuals across the Town of Cicero (the “Town”) to recklessly congregate and cluster at or near establishments that sell alcoholic liquor, in particular in the late evening, unacceptably placing their own health and the health of all residents in danger; and
WHEREAS, due to the lack of social distancing and crowds of people gathering at businesses and storefronts, in addition to stores not enforcing mask requirements, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 continues to rise in the community; and
WHEREAS, in order to stop the devasting spread of COVID-19, all individuals in the Town and visitors of the Town must practice a strict and disciplined adherence to social distancing guidelines; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the Town and its residents, it is necessary and appropriate to take immediate measures in response to stopping the spread of COVID-19;
NOW, THEREFORE, by the powers vested in me as the President of the Town of Cicero, and pursuant to Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Cicero, Illinois (the “Town Code”), I hereby declare that a state of emergency exists within the Town of Cicero and order the following:
SECTION 1: Effective Friday, October 23, 2020 at noon, any establishment operating in the Town as a restaurant, or bar that serves liquor, and/or maintains an outdoor patio license or sidewalk cafe permit issued in association with such license shall abide by the following:
(a) Cease indoor and outdoor consumption of alcohol at 10:00 p.m. Restaurants and food establishments may continue to serve food for indoor and outdoor dining after 10:00 p.m.
(b) All bars that serve alcohol for on-site consumption must end alcohol service at 9:00 p.m. before closing at 10:00 p.m.
(c) Cease all sales of alcoholic liquor for off-premises consumption between 10:00 p.m. and the following day at the hour at which the licensee is permitted to resume alcoholic liquor sales as provided by Chapter 10, Section 10-58 of the Town Code or as otherwise provided in the Town Code, ordinance, or executive order.
(d) All persons licensed to sell liquor for consumption off-premises including, but not limited to restaurants, bars, liquor stores, convenience stores, mini marts, and grocery stores, and any other establishment in which liquor is sold for consumption off premises shall cease all sales of alcoholic liquor at 10:00 p.m.
(e) Restaurants or establishments serving food may continue operating after 10:00 p.m. to serve food and provide curb-side pick-up or carry-out delivery of food. Carry-out or delivery of alcohol after 10:00 p.m. is prohibited.
(f) Prominently post signage, in a form prescribed by the Town’s Local Liquor Commissioner or Deputy Local Liquor Commissioner at each publicly accessible entrance to the establishment and in any area of the establishment where alcoholic liquor is sold, informing patrons of the 10:00 p.m. closure or cessation of alcoholic liquor for sale.
SECTION 2: Pursuant to Chapter 50, Section 50-37 and Chapter 10, Section 10-4, of the Town Code, in conjunction with enforcement authority granted in the Town Code to the following officers, this Executive Order may be enforced by the Town’s Police Department, and the Town’s Local Liquor Commissioner and Deputy Local Liquor Commissioner.
SECTION 3: In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this Executive Order shall be subject to arrest pursuant to Chapter 50, Section 50-40 of the Town Code. Further, any business that violates this Executive Order shall be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to, closure pursuant to Chapter 10, Section 10-70 of the Town Code, and suspension or revocation of liquor license.
SECTION 4: All guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (the “CDC”) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) shall continue to remain in effect for all businesses and establishments in the Town including, but not limited to, maintaining a social distance of at least six (6) feet, wearing proper face coverings as recommended by the CDC, and operating at the capacity limits established by IDPH.
SECTION 5: This Executive Order does not grant any licensee any privilege to sell liquor in contravention of, or less restrictively than allowed by any other applicable ordinance or Executive Order, or the license held by the licensee.
SECTION 6: This Executive Order shall remain in effect until a determination that the threat to public health posed by COVID-19 has diminished to the point that this Executive Order can be safely repealed, or until amended, superseded or rescinded.
SECTION 7: This Executive Order shall be distributed in accordance with the Town
Code.
SECTION 8: This Executive Order is not intended to, and does not, except as specifically set forth herein, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the Town of Cicero, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. This Executive Order shall be deposited and kept immediately available on file for inspection in the office of the Town Clerk.
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President Dominick announces Amazon to open two fulfillment centers in Cicero
President Dominick announces Amazon to open two fulfillment centers in Cicero
New warehouse will reduce tax burden on Cicero residents by generating business real estate tax revenues and create hundreds of new job opportunities for Cicero residents
The Town of Cicero has been selected as the newest location in the expansion of the mega-retailer Amazon following negotiations with Town President Larry Dominick.
Dominick said Amazon, which employs more than 23,000 full and part-time workers in Illinois, plans to hire 15,000 more workers to staff fulfillment centers in several planned new warehouse sites including two that will open in Cicero.
The Amazon fulfillment center, which processes online orders from its popular website, will be located in two 575,000 square feet warehouses operated by Bridgepoint 290 Partners (Bridge Development Partners) and located at 1400 S. Laramie Avenue.
Dominick negotiated the expansion of Bridgepoint to Cicero with the opening of their first location in 2017 and the inauguration of a second location that opened in 2018.
“Cicero has become one of the most popular destinations for the building of new businesses and new industries, and for the expansion of existing business chains,” President Dominick said Wednesday Aug. 19, 2020.
“We have welcomed many new major retail businesses to Cicero including Walmart, Menards, Break Through Beverage (formerly Wirtz Beverage), Bimbo Bakery, Sonic Restaurant, Fuller’s Car Wash and CubeSmart storage, to just name a few. They have all chosen Cicero because of the benefits that the Town’s location offers.”
Dominick said that since taking office in 2005, his priorities have included making Cicero one of the safest communities in the Chicagoland region, and converting abandoned industrial lands for business development.
Dominick said the new businesses will not only generate new real estate property tax revenues that will reduce the tax burden on residents, but will also create new jobs and employment opportunities for Cicero’s residents.
“I understand that Amazon is already advertising for the new jobs that their fulfillment warehouse locations will be creating,” Dominick said.
“The fact that these major national companies have selected Cicero as their new location is a testament to the success we are enjoying as a community in making the Town of Cicero a much sought-after destination.”
Dominick said he had several meetings with Amazon representatives during the past year. And while Cicero touted its many advantages, Dominick said no incentives were requested or given to seal Amazon’s site selection decision.
“The taxpayers are not paying to get these businesses. These businesses want to be here,” Dominick said.
Bridge Development Partners bought a 33-acre property in Cicero in 2018, with plans for its latest venture into the hot industrial market.
The Chicago-based developer bought the land at 1400 South Laramie Avenue for for $11.7 million from Meridian Rail Corporation. It plans to build two industrial buildings on the site, one about 343,000 square feet and the other about 233,000 square feet, according to Cook County documents.
The complex would be next to Bridge Development’s Bridge Point 290 facility at 1531 South 54th Avenue, a 323,000-square-foot industrial building, purchased in 2017.
El Presidente de Cicero Larry Dominick anuncia que El Almacén de Amazon abrirá dos Centros Logísticos en Cicero
Los nuevos almacenes reducirán la carga de impuestos para los residentes de Cicero, al generar ingresos fiscales sobre bienes raíces comerciales y creará cientos de nuevas oportunidades de trabajo para los residentes de Cicero
Cicero, IL, Agosto 19, 2020 –El municipio de Cicero ha sido seleccionado como la más nueva ubicación en los planes de expansión del mega almacén minorista Amazon, luego de las negociaciones con el presidente de Cicero, Larry Dominick.
Dominick dijo que Amazon, que emplea a más de 23.000 trabajadores a tiempo completo y parcial en Illinois, planea contratar a unos 15.000 trabajadores más en varios nuevos sitios de almacenamiento planificados, incluidos dos que se abrirán en Cicero.
El centro logístico de Amazon, que procesa pedidos en línea desde su popular sitio web, estará ubicado en dos almacenes de 575,000 pies cuadrados operados por el consorcio “Bridgepoint 290 Partners” sobre la avenida 1400 S. Laramie Avenue.
Dominick negoció la expansión de “Bridgepoint 290 Partners” en Cicero con la apertura de su primera ubicación en el año 2017 y la inauguración de una segunda ubicación que abrió en el 2018.
“Cicero se ha convertido en uno de los destinos más populares para la construcción de nuevos negocios y nuevas industrias, y para la expansión de las cadenas comerciales existentes”, dijo el presidente Dominick el miércoles 19 de agosto de 2020.
“Hemos dado la bienvenida en Cicero a muchos nuevos negocios minoristas importantes, incluidos ‘Walmart’, ‘Menards’, ‘ Through Beverage’ (antes Wirtz Beverage), ‘Bimbo Bakery’, ‘Sonic Restaurant’, ‘Fuller’s Car Wash’ y ‘CubeSmart Storage’, para nombrar solo algunos. Todos han elegido Cicero por los beneficios que ofrece la ubicación de nuestra ciudad”.
Dominick dijo que desde que asumió el cargo en el año 2005, sus prioridades han incluido hacer de Cicero una de las comunidades más seguras en el área de Chicago y transformar las propiedades industriales abandonadas para impulsar el desarrollo comercial.
Dominick dijo que los nuevos negocios no solo generarán nuevos ingresos para impuestos a la propiedad inmobiliaria que reducirán la carga fiscal sobre los residentes, sino que también crearán nuevos puestos de trabajo y oportunidades de empleo para los residentes de Cicero.
“Entiendo que Amazon ya está anunciando los nuevos puestos de trabajo que crearán en las ubicaciones de sus almacenes”, dijo Dominick.
“El hecho de que estas importantes empresas nacionales hayan seleccionado a Cicero como su nueva ubicación, es un testimonio del éxito que estamos disfrutando como comunidad, al hacer de la ciudad de Cicero un destino muy solicitado”.
Dominick dijo que tuvo varias reuniones con representantes de Amazon a través del año pasado. Y aunque Cicero promocionó sus muchas ventajas, Dominick aseguró que no se solicitaron ni se otorgaron incentivos extras para sellar la decisión del sitio electo por Amazon.
“Los contribuyentes no están pagando absolutamente nada para conseguir estos negocios. Estas empresas quieren estar aquí”, dijo el Presidente Larry Dominick.
Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
Applications begin on June 26, 2020
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is launching the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. DCEO will begin distributing funds to qualifying businesses in early July. The total program funding will amount to at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 million of which has been set aside for childcare providers and is funded by the CARES Act.
In the first wave of grants, priority will be given to small businesses that have been heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic. Additional priority will be given to businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), or low-income areas that have had high rates of COVID-19 cases. Businesses eligible for the program must have experienced extreme hardship, demonstrated by experiencing eligible costs or losses in excess of the grant amount since March.
Specifically, the program includes support for:
- Businesses located in DIAs Where There Was Recent Property Damage from Civil Unrest – $20 million for businesses that are located in a subset of DIAs that have recently experienced significant property damage, providing 1,000 grants of $20,000 each
- Bars and Restaurants – $20 million for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside service, providing 1,000 grants of up to $20,000*
- Barbershops and Salons – $10 million for barbershops and salons, providing 1,000 grants of $10,000 each*
- Gyms and Fitness Centers – $10 million for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19, providing 500 grants of $20,000 each*
Businesses must have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020 and must meet specific annual revenue criteria outlined in document below.
WHEN AND WHERE TO APPLY:
DCEO will begin accepting applications on June 26th. The application submission portal will be posted on this webpage. Until the 26th, DCEO is posting the application questions and required documents for businesses and business support organizations to read, review and prepare. *While a portion of funds are reserved for businesses located in DIAs, the following business types in non-DIA locations are also eligible to apply for assistance: bars and restaurants; barbershops and salons; gyms and fitness centers.
- VIEW: Business Interruption Grant Application
- VIEW: Full Eligibility Criteria
- VIEW: Business Certification Form and Eligible Cost List (check back for posting)
Questions? Submit a question in via the question submission form in English or Spanish. Submitting a question via the form ensures a timely response.
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED AREAS
The map below shows all disproportionately impacted areas for the Business Interruption Grant program. To determine whether or not you are located in a DIA, enter your address in the search box.
State allows restaurants & bars to resume indoor service
State allows restaurants & bars to resume indoor service
Letter from the Town of Cicero, Wednesday June 24, 2020
Notice to Restaurants (Indoor and Outdoor Dining) Effective June 26, 2020-1
Indoor Restaurant and Bar Establishment Guidelines (Eng/Span)
Attention Cicero Businesses:
We are happy to announce, by order of the Office of the Governor of the State of Illinois, all restaurants may now resume indoor dining operations for restaurants, and bar establishments. Groups of up to 10 people are allowed to be seated together for indoor dining beginning Friday, June 26th, 2020. The IDPH provides safety guidelines for restaurants, and bar establishments to prevent the exposure to and the spread of COVID-19. Seated areas should be arranged so that tables allow for 6ft. between parties; impermeable barriers may be installed between booths that are less than 6ft. apart.
All the safety guidelines can be found attached to this letter and can be found online by clicking this link.
Additional guidance may be needed as the COVID-19 outbreak conditions change including new information about the virus such as, its transmission and impacts.
In addition, all restaurants must continue to follow the Illinois Department of Commerce guidelines at all times. All guidelines can be found attached to this letter and can also be found online by clicking here.
All signs that need to be displayed at your establishment when you open for indoor person dining can also be found at said website.
Any businesses defying this order or the Illinois Department of Commerce guidelines will be shut down immediately and may be issued a ticket or ordinance violation and may have their business license suspended or revoked.
Our Town President Larry Dominick and Board of Trustees are working together to make our community a safe place for all of our residents and businesses. So we ask for your understanding so we can all work together in keeping our Town as safe as possible during these times. Should you have any additional questions or concerns please contact us at 708-656-3600 Ext. 165 and we will be more than happy to address your questions or concerns.
We know that together we will continue to move forward while keepings our residents safe.
_______________________________
Ismael Vargas, Town of Cicero Business License Director
Atención Negocios de la Cuidad de Cícero:
Estamos contentos de anunciar, por la orden de la Oficina del Gobernador del Estado de Illinois, que todos los restaurantes y bares podrán resumir las operaciones dentro de su localidad. Grupos no más de 10 personas será permitido sentarse juntos dentro de la localidad a partir de viernes, 26 de Junio de 2020. El IDPH proporciona reglamentos de seguridad para restaurantes y establecimientos de bares para evitar la exposición y la propagación de COVID-19.
Las áreas de asientos interiores deben estar dispuestas de modo que las mesas permitan 6 pies entre grupos. Restaurantes y bares podrán instalar barreras impermeables entre cabinas de menos de 6 pies aparte.
Toda la regulación de seguridad se puede encontrar adjuntas a esta carta y se pueden encontrar en línea en.
Es posible que se necesite orientación adicional a medida que cambian las condiciones del brote del COVID-19, incluso a medida que se dispone de nueva información sobre el virus, su transmisión e impactos.
Además, todos los restaurantes deben seguir las reglas del Departamento de Comercio de Illinois en todo momento. Todas las reglas se pueden encontrar adjuntas a esta carta y también se pueden encontrar en línea en.
Todos los letreros que necesitan ser mostrados en su establecimiento cuando usted abre para servir comida dentro de su localidad se pueden encontrar en dicho sitio web.
Los negocios que desafían esta orden o las reglas del Departamento de Comercio de Illinois serán cerrados inmediatamente y pueden recibir una multa o una infracción de la Ordenanza y pueden tener sus licencias de negocio suspendidas o revocadas.
El presidente de la ciudad, Larry Dominick y la Mesa de Directivos están trabajando juntos para hacer nuestra comunidad un lugar seguro para todos nuestros residentes y negocios. Así que pedimos su cooperación para que todos podamos trabajar juntos en mantener nuestra ciudad lo más segura posible durante estos tiempos. Si tiene cualquier pregunta adicional o preocupaciones por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros al 708-656-3600 Ext. 165.
_______________________________
Ismael Vargas, El Director de Licencias de Negocios
TOWN OF CICERO
Business License Department
4949 WEST CERMAK RD
CICERO, ILLINOIS 60804
2ND FLOOR
708.656.3600 ext. 250, 253, 205
FAX 708.656.0859
State offers $85 million in grants to help business and communities recover
State offers $85 million in grants to help business and communities recover
New equity-driven programs through DCEO to provide a boost for communities and businesses hit hardest during COVID-19 crisis
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today released applications for the latest in a series of grant programs designed to offset the economic impact of COVID-19 for businesses and communities across Illinois. The new Business Interruption Grant (BIG) and the Rebuild Distressed Communities grants total $85 million and will provide relief for thousands of businesses affected by the ongoing pandemic.
Applications for BIG grants and the Rebuild Distressed Communities NOFO are due on July 7th. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit DCEO’s website.
“This virus has had devastating effects on the health and livelihoods of our residents, and we must take aggressive action to help our families and communities recover,” said Governor Pritzker. “As our small businesses reopen their doors, these grant programs will provide critical support to allow them to safely expand their operations. We can not recover without our small businesses leading the way, particularly in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by this virus, and this administration is committed to using all resources at our disposal to help them thrive.”
These programs administered by DCEO are part of over $900 million in new programs recently announced by Governor Pritzker, with a focus on restoring communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Both programs offer priority for small businesses whose operations were heavily restricted or completely shut down during the pandemic, for those located in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), as well as those in communities damaged by recent civil unrest. DIAs are low-income areas that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 cases.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our Illinois economy, which is why the Pritzker administration has continuously taken action to grant critical relief programs the duration of this unprecedented crisis,” said Acting Director of DCEO, Michael Negron. “With many businesses all across our state experiencing hardship from COVID-19, DCEO has worked to marshal funding in a way that reaches across all of our diverse community areas, and that assists those who need it the most. With the new BIG program, the state will ensure those businesses most greatly affected are not left behind as we move forward to a safe, phased reopening of our state and economy.”
Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
The first round of the new business interruption grants program, known as “BIG,” will make $60 million available for 3,500 businesses that experienced losses or business interruption because they closed or severely restricted their operations as a result of COVID-19. Businesses eligible for BIG include restaurants and bars; barbershops and salons; health and fitness centers; as well as businesses located in DIAs which have had reports of recent property damage due to civil unrest.
Businesses prioritized for this first wave of funding must have experienced extreme hardship, demonstrated by losses in excess of the grant amount since March, caused by following the public health guidance to limit their operations. Businesses must also have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020.
Grants will be made available for small businesses in amounts ranging between $10,000-$20,000, depending on business type and other eligibility criteria. A full list of criteria as well as the application can be found on DCEO’s website. Businesses and community partners can assess their eligibility and gather any documents needed to complete the application before it opens for submission on Friday, June 26th at 9:00am. All applications must be submitted by Monday, July 7th at 5:00pm.
BIG grants give businesses access to funds that will help accelerate reopening or expanding capacity, including assisting with purchase of technology, PPE or other equipment necessary to comply with new public health guidelines related to COVID-19. Funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time businesses have experienced interruptions due to COVID.
All grant categories feature dedicated set asides for businesses located in DIAs, based on a statutory mandate to release a minimum of 30 percent of BIG funds to DIAs throughout Illinois. Disproportionately impacted areas are low-income zip codes that have had a significant number of cases of COVID 19 among residents. For more information on determining eligibility or to see if your business is located in a DIA, visit DCEO’s website.
“With small businesses suffering because of the global health pandemic and recent looting from civil unrest in our country, it is critical that we step up and play a role in saving these mom and pop shops,” said State Representative Chris Welch, 7th District. “The Business Interruption Grants and Distressed Capital Program will play a critical role in helping minority owned businesses survive in this climate.”
“Working together, Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly made Business Interruption Grants a priority in this year’s state budget,” said State Senator Andy Manar, 48th District. “Making sure small business owners in all parts of Illinois have access to much needed financial assistance is imperative as we continue to fight the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we should do everything we can to support them.”
“To truly set the state on a path toward recovery, we have to extend the aid needed to help our small businesses survive these unprecedented times,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., 17th District. “Budget negotiations were more difficult this year. I am pleased that we are providing desperately needed relief to many of the businesses who have been hardest hit, including those who can’t reopen until Phase 4 or 5.”
“The Governor has shown tremendous leadership throughout this pandemic by not only designing a broad range of programs that support those hit hardest, but by also going a step further to reach those in disproportionately impacted areas like our community,” said State Representative Lisa Hernandez, 24th District.“While small and minority-owned businesses already face longer odds for success, these programs will help them gain the footing they need to pull through this crisis.”
To ensure first round funds are disbursed quickly and carefully, DCEO will involve community-based financial institutions with experience administering grant programs throughout the state, especially in the communities designated as disproportionately impacted areas. Similar to other COVID-19 emergency assistance programs, these CDFIs will review applications and administer funds, with funds targeted for release beginning in mid-July. Eligible businesses will be selected via a lottery process.
“Illinois small business owners are tough, but they need extra help to continue fighting through this pandemic,” said Brad McConnell, CEO of Accion Serving Illinois & Indiana. “Accion is thankful we are able to partner with the Governor to support the businesses that have been hit the hardest.”
This $60 million funding round represents the first wave of the BIG program, which in total will amount to at least $540 million in grants for small businesses, $270 million of which has been set aside for childcare providers. The Department will issue a NOFO at a later date to seek qualified partner(s) in assisting with administering future phases of the BIG program to small businesses. DCEO’s grants will complement ongoing efforts by DHS to administer BIG grants earmarked specifically for childcare centers.
“Governor Pritzker’s BIG program aims to mitigate the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black and Brown communities, and combat the baked-in inequities of relief programs that have shut out over 80% of minority owned businesses and independent contractors,” said Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, Illinois Business Immigration Coalition. “IBIC and our 147 members commend the Governor and are ready to roll up our sleeves to assist our entrepreneur of color to not only survive but thrive through this pandemic.”
To ensure that businesses are prepared to take advantage of these resources, DCEO will leverage its statewide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) as well as other community partners to conduct outreach to business owners eligible for BIG assistance. This outreach to small businesses and communities will prioritize ensuring diversity and inclusion of minority owned businesses in this first round of funds, as well as future rounds of funding.
Distressed Capital Program
The second program, Rebuild Distressed Communities, is a $25 million economic recovery program to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protest and demonstrations on or after May 25th, 2020. The Distressed Capital Program will reimburse the costs to repair structural damages, including repairs to storefronts and entrances, improving electrical systems, and restoring exterior work.
The Distressed Capital Program will specifically help businesses located in DIAs and will prioritize small businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact – such as grocery stores – and businesses in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment. The Distressed Capital Program also includes provisions to encourage BEP contractors, including minority- and women-owned businesses, are the first in line to do the repair work.
DCEO is issuing a NOFO to identify an administrator or administrators to oversee the provision of funding to reimburse the costs of repairs already undertaken and cover future repairs for eligible businesses damaged as a result of civil unrest. More information about eligibility and documentation required to apply can be found in the NOFO posted on DCEO’s website.
BIG and Rebuild Distressed Communities programs build on steady action taken by Governor Pritzker throughout the COVID-19 crisis to support small businesses. With the addition of this first round of BIG and Rebuild Distressed Communities, more than $150 million in business assistance programs have been announced since March – including the downstate small business stabilization fund, the hospitality grants program, and the Fast Track Public Infrastructure Program. Collectively, these programs have helped provide vital assistance for thousands of unique businesses located in every corner across the state.
DCEO will conduct a series of webinars and outreach to businesses in the coming weeks. For a list of upcoming webinars and to receive regular updates on grants and business assistance programs, please visit DCEO’s website of follow us on social at @IllinoisDCEO.
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