|
 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity website says: “With the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus
and its detrimental impact on small businesses, the state is
invoking its option to adjust Community Development Block Grant
allocations to address specific needs to benefit Illinois’
non-entitlement communities in case of unforeseen circumstances. $20
million will be available for this program.”
The Downstate Small Business Stabilization component has been
established to provide working capital funds to community’s
businesses economically impacted by the Covid-19 virus.”
This component of the program “makes funds available for 60 days of
verifiable working capital up to a grant ceiling of $25,000 and is
available for businesses that employ 50 people or less. Number of
employees includes the business owner(s).
These funds may be used to assist private for-profit small retail
and service businesses, or businesses considered non-essential by
the Governor’s Executive Order without the ability for employees to
work remotely.
Lincoln Daily News ran the press release sent out to media letting
businesses know about the program.
The businesses had to apply for these grants through a unit of local
government. Logan County was chosen with finance chairman Chuck
Ruben coordinating.
The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council partnered with local
governments to create an on-line platform for interested businesses
to complete and submit applications. Applications were submitted
through a portal at www.gpcovid.com. The County Board acted as the
lead agency for Logan County and grantee for the program.
The 18 businesses that applied for grants to assist
with expenses are as follows:
1. Metaxia Enterprises, Inc. - $25,000 for payroll and overhead
expenses;
2. Logan Lanes - $25,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
3. The Old Brickyard Grill and Pub - $25,000 for
payroll and overhead expenses;
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4. Board Enterprises, Inc. - $25,000 for payroll and
overhead expenses;
5. Picture This Photography - $25,000 for payroll and overhead
expenses;
6. Visual Ink Productions - $25,000 for business expenses;
7. Alley-Bi Saloon, Inc. - $25,000 for payroll and overhead
expenses;
8. Unique Images - $8,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
9. Four Corners Lube - $25,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
10. Stag-R-Inn, LLC - $20,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
11. Chad C. Batson dba Stuffed Aria Pizza - $25,000 for payroll and
overhead expenses;
12. Blades Hair and Nail Salon - $25,000 for payroll and overhead
expenses;
13. Lincoln Banquet Center - $15,000 for payroll and overhead
expenses;
14. Krishan hotels Inc. dba hotel Lincoln Inn - $25,000 for payroll
and operating expenses;
15. Wurth Brothers Inc. - $25,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
16. Fabulous Hair Styles - $5,000 for payroll and overhead expenses
payroll and overhead expenses;
17. Apple Food Mart - $25,000 for payroll and overhead expenses;
18. Rio Grande - $25,000 for payroll and overhead expenses.
As a local unit of government, the Logan County Board is acting as
the agency submitting these applications. Once grant applications
are approved at the next level and the funds released, funds will be
passed to the businesses through the board.
Though the deadline for applications is over, the state may offer
the grant again if there’s money left over.
[Angela Reiners] |
