Yingling Highlights Emergency Assistance for Restaurants, Bars

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is spreading the word about a new program aimed at helping food-related businesses due to the financial impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many small businesses, and especially those in the food industry, have had to deal with enormous financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Yingling. “We can’t allow these small businesses to struggle or be put out of business for circumstances that no one could have foreseen.”

Yingling is encouraging bars, restaurants, and other food-related businesses, such as food stands, caterers, or bakeries, to apply to the U.S. Small Businesses Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which grants eligible businesses funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million. The funds may be used to pay business payroll costs, business rent payments, and a variety of other purposes. Applications are open until funds are exhausted. For more information or to apply, please visit the SBA’s website at sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

During his time in the General Assembly, Yingling has made it a priority to assist small businesses. In previous sessions, he supported legislation that would cut costs for small business by expanding tax credits for small to medium-sized businesses. In addition, Yingling regularly visits with small business owners throughout the district to hear what challenges they are facing and how he can help.

“As someone who grew up working for my parent’s local restaurant, it is important to provide relief to small business owners who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Yingling. “We cannot turn our back on them during this difficult time, and I will continue to work in Springfield to ensure that they have the resources they need to get through this pandemic and back on their feet.”