Reitz Highlights Assistance for Businesses Amid COVID-19 Closures

RED BUD, Ill. – As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to lead to temporary closures of businesses, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is sharing information on assistance offered by state agencies to help local small business owners facing hardship due to the planned closures of restaurants and other businesses.

“When we support local small businesses, we are helping a family keep a roof over their head and put food on the table,” said Reitz. “Local small business owners and their families will be hurting in the coming weeks due to a loss of business with the mandatory closures of bars, restaurants and other establishments, so I am working to connect them with resources that could help ease the burden during this difficult time.”

Reitz is highlighting the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The SBA is working directly with the governor to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

“While the COVID-19 outbreak is causing a lot of uncertainty, it is critical that we each do our part to help stop the spread of this virus,” continued Reitz. “I encourage small business owners to take advantage of the SBA’s resources, and I encourage Southern Illinoisans to support local families by shopping small as businesses reopen.”

For more information or additional resources, reach out to Reitz’s constituent service office at RepNReitz@gmail.com or 618-282-7284, or visit the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov.