Slaughter Highlights Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19, Civil Unrest

CHICAGO – To help protect the economic livelihood of communities across the state, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is highlighting the second round funding for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Business Interruption Grant Program (BIG), which will help provide much-needed relief to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and instances of civil unrest have taken a serious toll on our local economies, and Business Interruption Grants are a critical resource for small business owners who have been hit the hardest,” said Slaughter. “Communities of color have been especially impacted, and these grants will help ensure that our businesses are able to survive these hardships and prosper as we continue forward.”

Slaughter is encouraging local business owners who have experienced pandemic-related losses or damage due to civil unrest to apply for the BIG Program. The second round of BIG funding will provide $220 million to Illinois businesses in disproportionately impacted areas and industries that were the most affected by interruptions due to COVID-19.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, business owners are encouraged to visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx.

“While COVID-19 has created a great deal of adversity and uncertainty for all of us, I know that we can continue toward a better future by working together to ensure our communities have the resources they need, including our local business owners,” said Slaughter. “I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Pritzker and my fellow legislators to make sure our residents are able to get the help they need.”