Announcing the LISC Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund

LISC is taking swift action in response to the coronavirus pandemic, to 
mitigate economic impact on residents in the hundreds of communities where we work. 
We are launching the LISC Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund to assemble and deploy 
resources to our local partners, small businesses and residents who are being hit hardest. 
The Fund will deliver operating capital, emergency subsidies and IT support, as well as technical assistance, to keep our partners and their communities strong and functioning through this unprecedented situation. Find details here.

Beware of scams, frauds and schemes

The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Find more information here.

Families First Cornoavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Requirements

Effective tomorrow, April 1st employers must post a notice of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. All employers covered by the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) (i.e., certain public sector employers and private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees) are required to post this notice.
More information and downloadable poster versions of the notice are available here.

IMPORTANT: Given many are working remotely, an employer may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website.

Hungry?

Lots of tasty choices for delivery or carry out here on the southwest side. Find a downloadable list here.

The National Main Street Center Survey

The National Main Street Center is gathering data on how small businesses across the country are holding up, and we would love to hear from small business owners in Chicago via a short survey.

The survey takes about five minutes to complete, and we’re collecting responses through 5pm PT on Friday, April 3^rd.  Individual survey responses, including any personal information, will be confidential, and results will be presented only in aggregated, summary form.

Strong data helps make us stronger advocates to Congress, to state legislators, and to our local elected officials in explaining the kind of resources needed by small businesses to weather the storm.

Would you please help us by encouraging small businesses in your community to respond to this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6K96DHF.

IDHS Survey for Community Based Organizations

In order to understand the acute needs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among community-based organizations across the state, please consider completing this short survey before April 1. 

The survey is designed to more precisely understand statewide PPE needs. Please note that completing the survey, unfortunately, is not a guarantee that you will receive the supplies, and it is not a purchasing order.

As you fill out the survey, please give your best estimate of need over the next 30-90 days, accounting for both your organization’s staff and customer/client populations. 

A direct link to the survey is here: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=17&item=123547&surveyid=1525

If you or anyone you know is aware of extra PPE that can be donated, please send a message to PPE.donations@Illinois.gov

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

Wondering what the new CARES Act legislation means for you and your business?
Find a link to the downloadable Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act along with information on other available programs here.

April 1st is Census Day!

The time has come for everyone to be counted! Less than one week ago, the 2020 Census fully kicked off, and invitations continue to arrive in mailboxes across the nation. Currently, more than eleven million households have responded. America is stepping up to shape our future and ensure families and communities are counted. Click here for more info.

Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund Webinar

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection
will host a webinar to provide an overview of the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund, loan terms, requirements, and how to apply. To register, or for more information, go here.

Unemployment Benefits Filing Schedule

Due to the unprecedented number of claims for unemployment benefits, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has implemented a filing schedule. You can file for benefits both online and by phone. Please note: Part-time employees are permitted to apply for benefits.

New Online Filing Schedule:

Last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. 

Last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.

Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

Call Center Filing Schedule:

Last names beginning with letters A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm. 

Last names beginning with letters N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm.

Fridays 7:30am – 6pm. will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether you receive benefits Claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. Please visit IDES.Illinois.gov. for details and more information.

City of Chicago Mental Health Resources

Emotional reactions to this emerging health crisis are expected. Remind yourself, your family and your friends that feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed or having other symptoms of distress such as trouble sleeping is normal. If symptoms become worse, encourage them, and yourself, to reach out for support and help. 

The following are free mental health resources available to all Chicago residents:

• Connect to a NAMI Chicago Helpline mental health counselor by calling 311 or directly at 833-626-4244
• Connect to Bright Star Community Outreach's trauma counseling helpline at 833-TURN-123
• Connect to free teletherapy services at Chicago Department of Public Health Mental Health Centers by calling 312-747-1020.
• For after hours support, contact Crisis Text Line which serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Instructions: Text HELLO to: 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor.



Visit the City's Coronavirus Resource Center for more information.

City of Chicago COVID-19 resource page

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) resources page for City of Chicago Businesses, Consumers and Employees impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak. Lots of updates and helpful information. Take a look at it here.

Cook County needs to know how the crisis is affecting your business

The COVID-19 outbreak has created a challenging business climate and Cook County wants to help you navigate this difficult time. Please complete the survey below to help the County prioritize business assistance programs. The survey link is here. SIgn up for the Cook County text alerts at 888-777 with the message "alertcook"