Mason Highlights Second Round of Business Interruption Grants

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is encouraging local business owners to apply for COVID-19 relief funding through the second round of the state’s Business Interruption Grants program, an initiative created by the General Assembly and Gov. Pritzker earlier this year to help small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

“When we created Business Interruption Grants, we wanted to make sure it would be a lasting initiative that would provide relief to businesses throughout the course of this crisis,” Mason said. “So while this program has been up and running since June, there are still many millions of dollars in Business Interruption Grants available to help businesses through this difficult time.”

The second round of Business Interruption Grants is geared toward helping businesses in Heavily Impacted Industries and Disproportionately Impacted Areas. A variety of non-essential service sector businesses, such as theaters, amusement parks and indoor gyms, are considered to be in Heavily Impacted Industries. Disproportionately Impacted Areas are defined as geographical regions that are most vulnerable to the economic impacts of COVID-19. While businesses in Heavily Impacted Industries or Disproportionately Impacted Areas are being prioritized in this round of Business Interruption Grants, all eligible businesses that apply will be fully considered.

To apply for a Business Interruption Grant or view a map of Disproportionately Impacted Areas, please visit www2.illinois.gov/dceo/smallbizassistance/pages/c19disadvantagedbusgrants.aspx.

“I strongly encourage all local business owners, especially those whose businesses are classified as being in Heavily Impacted Industries or Disproportionately Impacted Areas, to apply for funding through this program,” Mason said. “If any business owners could use assistance navigating the Business Interruption Grants application process, please let me know. My staff and I are happy to help local businesses get through this crisis in any way we can.”