DES PLAINES – In an effort to provide support to small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced 42 local businesses will receive a combined $710,000 through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“When faced with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our small business community responded with creativity and resilience,” said Murphy. “I’m proud to see so many local establishments on the list of grant recipients, and I hope this funding gives them a boost during these tough times.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $46 million to 2,655 small businesses in the first round of BIG funding. The BIG program offers grants to Illinois restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, and fitness centers that have suffered pandemic-related losses, with a focus on businesses in the hardest-hit areas of the state.

First round grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 and may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent and utilities. The funds may also be used to cover pandemic-related expenses, such as PPE, training and new technology.

To ensure ongoing support for Illinois small businesses, the State of Illinois has planned future rounds of funding, including a special program for child care providers. The application deadline for this program is Aug. 14.

“These funds will allow our businesses to focus their efforts on reopening in a way that keeps staff and customers safe,” said Murphy. “While I’m thrilled to see these businesses getting some much-needed assistance, I know there is much more to do to ensure our community fully recovers from this crisis.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the COVID-19 economic downturn. The full list of grant recipients is available here.