Grant program for restaurants and hospitality industry

This afternoon Governor Pritzker announced three new state initiatives to assist with the COVID-19 crisis.   Small businesses must apply for the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program by April 1^st. For more information go here.

City fund supplies emergency loans for small business

You can help

17th Ward Constituent Night Postponed

Parents, need internet access?

If you are aware of families who cannot afford internet access, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)  has posted free internet access opportunities to support school learning during the closures from AT&T, Spectrum, and Comcast at www.isbe.net/keeplearning under "free internet access resources."

Free tools and advice to help your business during the crisis

With the unique challenges of COVID-19, Godaddy is committed to helping you keep your business open — and your customers and employees safe. find free tools and expert advice here.

Bilingual SBA disaster loan training available now

All Illinois small businesses can now apply for low-interest disaster loans to help offset the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We know you have questions about the program, and the Illinois District Office is committed to hosting free webinars as long as there is demand. These trainings will cover:

• Eligibility
• Use of proceeds
• Terms
• Filing requirements
• Additional small business resources

Choose the date and time most convenient for you. Click the link to register now.

This event is cohosted with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Session will be in English with Spanish translators.

Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m. CT

Monday, March 23, 11 a.m. CT

Monday, March 23, 3 p.m. CT

More webinars will be announced soon! Watch your email for future events.

Tax Filing Deadline extended to July 15

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Federal Government has extended the April 15 tax-filing deadline to July 15, an unprecedented delay that will give people more time to prepare and pay their taxes as workers lose jobs and businesses close during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.

Governor orders shelter in place for all Illinois-what does this mean?

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a “shelter-in-place” order for the entire state starting Saturday, essentially commanding residents to stay in their homes as the officials take drastic measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus. What does this mean?
Read about it here.

It's Census time!

Stuck at home? What a perfect time to complete the census! An accurate census is important to determine how funds are provided to state and local governments. This money is then used to fund programs and infrastructure like healthcare, housing, education, and transportation here on Chicago's Southwest side. For more information, and to fill out the census, click here.

Mayor Lightfoot announces small business loan program

As a response to the COVID-19 challenge, the City is establishing a $100 million Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund, which will help to provide small businesses with emergency cash flow during this immediate health crisis. 
Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest loans that can be repaid over a term of up to five years. To apply, or for more information, go here.

An update on federal assistance from Senator Dick Durbin

Our friends at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce held a webinar with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin this morning. He provided an update on federal assistance available to businesses and individuals as well as relief packages that are quickly being put together in D.C. Watch a recording of the webinar here.Watch the full webinar here. 

Accion's response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Our friends at Accion are working hard to creatively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that threatens the health of small business owners, employees, customers, families, and communities.
Key points include:

• reduction in loan payment 
• expedited application process.
• ongoing assistance

For more information and/or contact info, go here.