Stuart Highlights Open Application for Second Round Business Interruption Grants, Focus on Downstate Illinois

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – Applications for the second round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program are open, and state Rep. Katie Stuart, is reminding local businesses that there is still time to apply for grants to help offset losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“These grants are focused on assisting businesses in downstate Illinois; those most affected by regional mitigation efforts. Small businesses have seen both a decrease in revenue and in increase in costs while dealing with the COIVD-19 pandemic,” said Stuart, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and these grants will help support them during this time of great financial need as our state continues to feel the effects of and recover from this pandemic.”

A $220 million second round of BIG is focused on helping all types of small businesses, but with a focus on businesses in downstate Illinois, in disproportionately impacted areas, and for heavily impacted regions of the state and industries. Businesses like independently owned retail, tourism and hospitality related industries and those most affected are prioritized in this round of grants. Stuart wants local businesses to know that the second-round application is still open for businesses to apply, and once businesses apply, they will receive a decision in four to six weeks of application submission. Businesses can find more information about the application process and apply here.

“This round of BIG is particularly focused on downstate Illinois and to help those small businesses that have faced an enormous impact due to many operating at diminished capacities,” said Stuart. “I encourage all local small businesses that have not already applied to the program to review the application process and apply for the support they deserve.”