Cunningham Urges Local Businesses To Apply For BIG Grants

CHICAGO — State Sen. Bill Cunningham (18th District) encourages local business and non-profit groups that to apply for Business Interruption Grants to receive financial assistance during the pandemic. Several businesses and non-profits in the 18th District representing parts of Chicago and the southwest suburbs have already received grants.

“This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but it’s been especially painful for small businesses and not-for-profit groups,” Cunningham said in a news release. “These grants can help keep businesses and their employees afloat while we try to get the spread of COVID-19 back under control.”

So far, 19 businesses and non-profits in the district have received a combined $555,000 from the government assistance program. The grants varied between $5,000 and $150,000, based on need, and were used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital.

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

“I also urge everyone in the area to keep supporting local small businesses,” Cunningham said. “Please continue shopping locally. Many bars and restaurants offer takeout or contactless delivery, and many retail businesses offer curbside pickup. You can easily support our local economy while still staying safe.”

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 website.