CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday the state is distributing $46 million to small businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The grants, stemming from the Business Interruption Grant program (funded by the federal CARES Act), will range from $10,000 to $20,000 and go to to 2,655 small businesses, including local restaurants, barbershops and gyms, Pritzker said. Businesses receiving the money can use it for payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other pandemic-related expenses.
Additionally, the funds will be intended for businesses forced to close in the spring, when Pritzker issued a statewide stay-at-home order. The governor added COVID-19 has not only affecting the most vulnerable people, but the most vulnerable businesses.