Struggling Latinx Businesses Encouraged To Participate In Survey

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As minority-owned businesses continue to get hit hardest as a result of the coronavirus, Illinois lawmakers like State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) is asking local Latinx business owners to participate in an online survey. Created by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the survey, which is available through May 15, is aimed at connecting businesses to resources.

“We are in an information gathering stage as we grapple with the economic effects of this pandemic,” Walker said. “As we work to identify solutions to help address the hardship too many are facing, it will take feedback from local business owners to point us in the right direction. I would encourage our local Latinx businesses to take the time to participate in this survey and ensure that their voice is heard.”

According to Walker, the online survey takes about 8-10 minutes to complete and is available in Spanish. Questions will be asked regarding the impact of COVID-19 on an individual’s business, business demographics, assistance needs and what programs they have applied to for financial assistance. DCEO’s Office of Minority Empowerment will look to evaluate all potentially available resources available for businesses that participate in the survey.

“Beyond participating in the DCEO survey, I would encourage local business owners of every background to reach out to my office if they need assistance accessing state resources set up in response to this health crisis,” Walker said. “I want to make sure every local business receives access to every resource they deserve.”

The online survey can be found in Spanish at https://bit.ly/EmpresasLatinasIL or in English at https://bit.ly/LatinxSurveyIL.

For more information on Illinois’ ongoing response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.