Mason Highlights Distribution of COVID-19 Business Grants, Calls for Additional Economic Relief

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is commending the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s administration of more than $800,000 in Business Interruption Grants to businesses in her district. The grants were awarded to businesses that experienced operational disruptions due to COVID-19. Mason is also advocating for the creation of new emergency funding programs to support small businesses through the end of the pandemic. 

“When COVID-19 swept into our state last spring, many small businesses were suddenly forced to reduce their operations or close down entirely,” Mason said. “While the federal government offered some direct relief to businesses at the start of the pandemic, the majority of that aid was in the form of loans. Taking on new debt simply isn’t an option for many small businesses, especially during such a long-lasting economic slowdown. That’s why programs like Business Interruption Grants are so important. They provide critical emergency assistance to businesses without leading to any future financial difficulties.”

Through the Business Interruption Grants program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $580 million in grants to small businesses. Individual grants varied in amount, with the average size being $30,000. For more information on the Business Interruption Grants program, please visit www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/pages/c19disadvantagedbusgrants.aspx.

“I’m grateful for the hundreds of thousands of dollars we were able to give to struggling businesses in our community through this program,” Mason said. “Until we’re able to vaccinate a majority of our population and fully reopen our economy, many businesses will still be in need of financial assistance. I am committed to doing everything I can to get that critically-needed relief to small businesses as soon as possible.”