State Sen. Morrison: 19 Businesses In 29th District Received Help

Press release from State Senator Julie Morrison:

Nov. 5, 2020

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is pleased to learn 19 businesses in the district she represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and she is encouraging more to apply.

“Small business owners have been some of the people hardest hit by the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Morrison said. “These funds will help them keep their doors open and their employees paid while keeping the community safe.”

Nearly 20 businesses in the district Morrison represents received a combined $700,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants last week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“Although these grants are extremely helpful, nothing beats support of the local community,” Morrison said. “I encourage people to continue to shop at their local small businesses, especially when shopping for the holidays.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.

This press release was produced by State Senator Julie Morrison. The views expressed here are the author's own.