Mason Encourages Businesses to Apply for Funding Through $540 Million Grant Program

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is highlighting the state’s newly launched Business Interruption Grants program and urging local business owners to apply.

“After months of operating at limited capacity or having to suspend service entirely, our businesses are in desperate need of financial assistance,” Mason said. “While previous relief measures have been helpful, many of our businesses are still struggling to make ends meet. That’s why we created the Business Interruption Grants program, which will put more than half a billion dollars back into our economy and make sure as many businesses as possible recover from this crisis.”

Business Interruption Grants will be awarded to businesses that have lost revenue or experienced business interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can use grant money to cover expenses such as payroll or mortgage payments.

Grants will be dispersed in several rounds, with applications for the first wave of funding now open. The initial round of grants will be given to restaurants, bars, barbershops, salons, fitness centers, gyms and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas. To apply or find a map of disproportionately impacted areas, please visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx.

“This initiative is long-lasting and will help businesses in a variety of sectors, which is exactly the kind of relief we need in a wide-reaching economic slowdown like this,” Mason said. “I’m glad to be able to share this funding opportunity with the hardworking business owners in our community, and I encourage all of them with eligible businesses to apply.”