Reitz Promotes Grant Relief for Small Business Owners Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To support local small business owners that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is highlighting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) new Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program.

“Many business owners have been struggling to stay afloat during recent months as many bars, restaurants and other small businesses have been forced to temporarily close their doors to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Reitz. “While this grant program will not solve every challenge business owners are facing, they can provide a much-needed lifeline to small business owners in need during this economic emergency.”

Reitz is highlighting DCEO’s new BIG Program, extending critical relief for business sectors that have been hit hard by state closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, July 7 at 5 p.m. The BIG Program includes support for:

• Bars and Restaurants – $20 million for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside, patio, and/or “al fresco” service, providing 1,000 grants of up to $20,000;
• Barbershops and Salons – $10 million for barbershops and salons, providing 1,000 grants of $10,000 each; and
• Gyms and Fitness Centers – $10 million for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19, providing 500 grants of $20,000 each.

More details and the online application for the BIG Program can also be found at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx.

“Standing up for small business owners and working families continues to be a top priority of mine in my effort to regrow our struggling economy and build a stronger Illinois,” continued Reitz. “I urge qualifying small businesses to apply for the BIG Program, and for residents to shop small whenever possible as our state continues to move toward reopening.”

For more information, contact Rep. Reitz’s constituent service office at 618-282-7284 or RepNReitz@gmail.com.