Walker Encourages Businesses to Check Out New Grant Programs

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is highlighting two new business grants available through the Department of Commerce and Opportunity (DCEO) designed to help businesses handle the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and property damage from recent civil unrest.

“This has been a difficult year for many of our small businesses, but I am grateful for their dedication and spirit to look ahead,” Walker said. “These grants are a helpful tool to stabilize and assist businesses as we hopefully continue to safely reopen the state’s economy.”

Applications for the new Business Interruption Grant and the Rebuild Distressed Communities Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are due on July 7. Information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo.

The first round of the new Business Interruption Grant program will make $60 million available for 3,500 businesses that experienced losses or business interruption because of restrictions in the wake of COVID-19. Eligible businesses include restaurants, salons, gyms and other businesses that experienced extreme hardship. Grants will be made available for small businesses in amounts ranging between $10,000 and $20,000.

The Rebuild Distressed Communities program is a $25 million effort to assist Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protest and demonstrations on or after May 25, 2020. It will reimburse costs to repair structural damage including repair to storefronts and entrances. DCEO is issuing a NOFO to identify administrators to oversee the provision of funding to reimburse the costs of repairs already undertaken and to cover future repairs for eligible businesses. It is expected that businesses impacted by property damage will be able to apply for support through the program by August.

“I encourage local businesses to take some time to see if they’re eligible,” Walker said. “While 2020 has tested our community, I’m confident that we will be able to come back even stronger, and I want people to know that my office is open and able to assist with navigating through this process.”

For more information, please contact Walker’s office at 847-749-1137.