"These businesses kept our community up and running so it’s good to give them support"

ELGIN – Recipients of the first round of the state’s Business Interruption Grants were announced last week. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is congratulating the 26 local businesses that will receive a combined $420,000 in relief.

“The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all of us, including small business owners and their employees who have been living in fear of waking up one morning and no longer having a job,” Castro said. “These institutions helped keep our communities up and running during the height of the pandemic, so it’s great to be able to provide them with the support they need to keep their doors open.”

The Business Interruption Grants were offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in response to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were available to restaurants, bars, fitness centers, and salons, particularly in areas of the state that have seen larger than average economic losses. The grants ranged from $10,000-$20,000 per business and can be used to cover the cost of payroll, rent, and utilities, and can also be used for pandemic-related expenses such as personal protective equipment.

“I encourage any business that has been struggling over the past six months to apply for the next round of BIG grants when they become available,” Castro said.

In total, the grants will award $46 million to over 2,600 Illinois businesses. A full list of recipients can be found here.