DES PLAINES – More than $700,000 has been awarded to 18 North Suburban businesses through the second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) program, and millions of dollars are still available, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Friday.

“Over the past few months, small businesses have not only been faced with losses as a result of pandemic-related closures, but also the extra costs that come with adhering to state health guidelines,” said Murphy. “These funds will allow them to continue operating with customer and staff safety in mind.”

In the district Murphy represents, 18 businesses—including restaurants, salons and event venues—received a combined $730,000. Grants ranged from $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

In total, more than $46 million has been awarded to 1,200 local businesses across the state in the second round of the BIG program. This investment builds on the $49 million awarded to more than 2,800 businesses in the first round of funding.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, but applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“Thousands of businesses across the state have already taken advantage of the BIG program, but there’s still time to apply for remaining funds,” said Murphy. “I encourage all affected businesses to submit an application as soon as they can.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO website.

DES PLAINES – With stricter mitigation measures now in effect in suburban Cook County, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is reminding business owners to apply for available aid through the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“The majority of our small businesses are doing the right thing and following health and safety guidelines, and we need to lift up those establishments to ensure they can survive these tough times,” said Murphy. “They need support, both from the state and from the community, to keep them afloat. The BIG program is one crucial resource to help our local businesses cope with losses.”

Applications for the second round of the BIG program are available now and will offer $220 million in funds for small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic.

The second wave of funds from BIG aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on heavily distressed industries and businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas. Application information for the second round of funds and can be found here.

Murphy also encourages residents to support the local restaurants and businesses working hard to keep customers and staff safe.

“With the holiday season approaching, there are many ways to lend a hand to our small business community,” said Murphy. “Order carryout, purchase a gift card or leave a local business a positive review online to give them a boost.”

DES PLAINES – The Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants selected State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) as 2020 Legislator of the Year for her efforts to improve health care in Illinois and expand opportunities for physician assistants (PAs) to provide critical medical care across the state.

“I’m honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Academy of PAs,” said Murphy. “During the pandemic, PAs have stepped up to provide exceptional care to their patients—it’s more important than ever to remove the unnecessary and outdated practice barriers they face on the job.”

The Illinois Academy of PAs represents over 3,000 PAs in Illinois. PAs are medical professionals with thousands of hours of training who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty.

Murphy is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2758, which would simplify partnerships between physicians and PAs by removing burdensome red tape, like written agreements and practice notifications. These bureaucratic barriers restrict health care access for patients, according to a 2018 study by the Brookings Institution, and eliminating them could significantly improve productivity in the health care industry.

The measure would also give PAs representation by establishing a PA regulatory board. Physicians and PAs would be able to work together to decide what care services the PA can provide to patients, based on his or her education, training and experience.

“The Illinois Academy of PAs awarded Leader Murphy with Legislator of the Year for her hard work and determination on behalf of the PA profession,” said Elizabeth Kate Sweitzer, president of the Illinois Academy of PAs. “She has consistently fought for improving rules and regulations to improve medical teams that provide health care to veterans and rural and underserved areas.”

DES PLAINES – In honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) invited women small business owners to join “All in for Women,” a series of webinars from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) about navigating the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“Our women business owners work hard to support our local economy and make our small business community diverse and unique,” said Murphy. “This month and every month, they deserve to be celebrated. These informative webinars can help provide the resources and assistance they need to thrive.”

At “All in for Women,” business owners will be able to connect with DCEO officials to learn more about the BIG program, eligibility requirements and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The webinar will be offered in four sessions, and registration is required:

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.

Other resources, including webinars geared toward women in manufacturing, Latina business owners and more, are available on the DCEO Office of Minority Economic Empowerment website.