Pappas Promotes Efforts to Bolster Small Businesses During Coronavirus Outbreak

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, is encouraging local businesses to take part in an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Revenue survey so government agencies may take appropriate measures to combat the economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Small businesses are facing significant challenges due to the economic impact of the spread of the coronavirus, and they deserve our support,” Pappas said. “This sudden loss in revenue will be hard, and even after this disease has passed, small businesses will face an uphill battle to rebuild. I urge all local business owners to fill out the survey from the Department of Commerce, so that they receive the best backing possible and the consequences of this disease are limited.”

Business owners can visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website to fill out a form detailing the impact COVID-19 has had on their operations. The information they provide will go to the U.S. Small Business Administration to help create an aid package that will do the most good.

“In challenging times like these, we need to act decisively not only to limit the spread of the disease, but to curb long-term effects,” Pappas said. “The economic toll of COVID-19 might last far longer than the disease itself. Illinois’ small businesses are the foundation of our economy, and we have to do
everything we can to maintain their strength.”