Moylan Encourages Residents to Apply for Business Interruption Grants

DES PLAINES, Ill. – State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is recommending local business owners to take advantage of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) new Business Interruption Grants (BIG) aimed at assisting the recovery from the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic took a significant economic toll on our local businesses,” Moylan said. “These new grants will help small businesses cover the loss of income they have experienced during this crisis and will help them get back on their feet as we safely begin to reopen the state.”

DCEO has launched its first wave of BIG grants totaling $60 million for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a significant loss of income or limited operational capacity during the COVID-19 crisis. During this first wave of BIG grants, small businesses who were most impacted by COVID-19 and businesses in Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIA) will be prioritized. Specifically, $20 million will support businesses in DIAs who experienced property damage from the recent civil unrest, $20 million will support bars and restaurants, $10 million will support barbershops and salons and $10 million will support gyms and fitness centers. For more information about BIG grants such as how to apply or a map of all DIAs, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx.

“The first wave of grants will go toward helping the businesses who are most in need, and while it will not solve all of the problems they have faced over the past few months, it will definitely provide some much needed breathing room,” Moylan said. “We have to continue supporting the small businesses of our community as much as we can and frequent them as they begin reopening and expanding their operations.”

For more information about the BIG grants or assistance applying, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.