Why Does Shopping Local Matter? - Midland Business Alliance
To say that 2020 has
been a crazy year is an understatement. As if COVID-19 wasn't enough for our
local businesses to endure, the flooding added an extra challenge to the mix.
That's why we can't stress the importance of remembering to #ShopLocal enough.
Your favorite businesses need you now more than ever!
Keep Your Money Local
Shopping local isn't
just about keeping your favorite businesses open and supporting your neighbors,
it's also about keeping your money in our community. Here are some interesting
statistics from a recent article, "Importance of Buying Local for a
Faster Economic Recovery", in Entry Point:
· Money spent at small businesses stays in the
local economy at a higher percentage than money spent at chain retailers.
· Small businesses significantly contribute to
local job creation.
· Shopping locally supports the small businesses
that are the fabric of any community and contribute to the development of a
unique, vibrant local culture.
Heart Of the Valley Chamber Welcomes Nicci Sprangers as New Executive Director
As a Kaukauna native with deep roots in the community, Nicci has a passion for the Heart of the Valley businesses and community members and believes strongly in the Chamber’s commitment to serve as a resource center that advocates for the business community, connects people and provides educational opportunities. As a Kaukauna resident, raising a family here, Nicci believes local businesses are the heartbeat of our community. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Chamber members to ensure that the Heart of Valley continues to be a place where business can thrive creating a community that is strong and vibrant for generations to come.
“Having the opportunity to work and serve the community that I call home and take great pride in is such an honor. I look forward to carrying on the amazing work being done by the Chamber to help businesses at every level to grow, evolve and prosper,” Sprangers shared.
Over the next several weeks Nicci will attend several Chamber events to meet with members and community partners. Business Development Manager, Diane Stuckrath, has been serving as the interim Executive Director and has played a key role for the Chamber in this transitional period. “Nicci brings a wealth of non-profit leadership and highly respected local roots to this role. I am excited and proud to be a part of the great things the Heart of the Valley Chamber will continue to provide for our members and community at large,” said Stuckrath.
Duneland Chamber: Q&A with Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch
| Q&A with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch Wednesday, June 17 Join the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce for this unique webinar to be part of a 30-minute, business-focused Q&A session with Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch Click here to register! |
Fredericksburg Regional Chamber: One Week Out! Picnic N’ Park: A Community Concert
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to attend Picnic N’ Park Presented in part by John F. Fick III, Featuring the Déja Grüv Band, Co-Hosted by the Fredericksburg Expo and Fredericksburg Nationals. Order to-go from your favorite local restaurant, put your car in park and enjoy some good music.
Event Details:Thursday, June 25th, 2020
6pm – 7:45pm (Gates open at 5pm)
Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center Parking Lot
Admission is free and open to the public! We will be selling raffle tickets and #FxbgStrong stickers, which will enter attendees in the many raffles throughout the night. Gates open at 5pm, as participation is limited to the first 175 vehicles. We are encouraging attendees to register, to help us prepare for the event on the Chamber website.
Registration: https://bit.ly/3dfOPwN
List of local businesses offering To-Go: https://bit.ly/2Yd6v80
CDC and Local Health District Regulations will be followed.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Title Sponsor: John F Fick III
Gold Sponsors:Matern Staffing
Community Bank of the Chesapeake
Bloomia
Event Sponsors: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Walmart
If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Anna Talcott at atalcott@fxbgchamer.org.
Champaign County Chamber: New Grant Opportunity
New Grant Opportunity
The City of Champaign announced its Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant of up to $15,000 that have been impacted by the pandemic. Priority will be given to businesses who have not received other state or federal grants related to COVID-19. Applications will be accepted in-person or online beginning Wednesday June 24, 2020 at 8:00am. To find submission and application materials, please click here. The City also released a video detailing more.
· The University of Illinois announced plans for fall semester today outlining parts of the return to campus. More details are expected in the coming weeks
· Unit 4 Schools discuss what a return to school could potentially look like in the fall.
· Over 44,000 new unemployment claims were filed in Illinois last week.
· A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that a person’s blood type and other genetic factors may be linked to COVID-19 severity.
· Researchers from Northwestern Medicine identify Chicago’s unique strain of COVID-19.
· The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reports a total of 760 COVID-19 cases. 69 are currently active with 9 hospitalized. 680 have recovered, and unfortunately, 11 have passed.
Kentucky Chamber: PPP Flexibility Act Signed into Law
Changes to the PPP that went into effect last week include:
- Lowering payroll expenses from 75% to 60% on PPP proceeds
- Extending the rehiring period to 24 weeks or Dec. 31, 2020
- Increasing the payment term to 5 years on new PPP loans
More details about the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act here.
PPP Funds Still Available. Apply Now.
Forgivable loans to small businesses that keep employees on the payroll. Use the funds for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. Learn more.
PPP Loan Helps Retool Bailey Safety, Inc.
Bailey Safety, Inc. offers OSHA training and Safety Program Evaluations and Compliance Analysis. Revenue grew steadily until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Owner Nancy Bailey obtained an SBA PPP loan. “The PPP was a lifeline. I was approved and the funds were in my account quickly.” Read her story here.
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EIDL Re-Opens to Eligible Businesses
 |
The online portal is now open to eligible small and agricultural businesses and non-profit organizations for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the EIDL Advance. Learn more.
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SBA is continuing to process applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center for EIDL / EIDL Advance
1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
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Tools to Help You Reopen
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· Kentucky Association of Counties COVID-19 Information
- Contact Your Local Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Lansing Regional Chamber Applauds U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Barring Discrimination Against LGBTQ Employees
The following statement can be attributed to Tim Daman, president and CEO of
the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in regards to the U.S. Supreme
Court decision prohibiting workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian and
transgender employees:
“The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is pleased that, as a
result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, federal law prohibits discrimination in the
workplace against gay, lesbian and transgender employees. Consistent with our
continued support of adding LGBT protections to the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights
Act, the LRCC believes protecting workers from discrimination based on race,
color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin is absolutely essential to
fulfilling the promise of equality. Combatting discrimination also allows our
diverse workforce and free enterprise system to reach its full potential.
In 2015, LRCC, as part of the Michigan Competitive Workplace Coalition called
for LGBT inclusion in Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. We believe then
as now that LGBT protection must be a vitally important part of our workforce
development and talent intention strategy in Michigan. As a state and as a
region, we need to continue to be very open and very inclusive in providing and
bringing in the best talent that we can.”
Birmingham Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide
The Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory and Community Resource Guide is available at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Joe Bauman and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!
Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Birmingham-Bloomfield 2019-2020 Membership Directory
Town Square Publications (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
New Date Announced: Taste of Dearborn Thursday, August 6
Stroll delightful offerings of Dearborn eateries at Dearborn’s annual “Grub-crawl”, Taste of Dearborn. The event allows attendees to sample menu items from the bevvy of participating restaurants. General admission tickets are available for $35 and include appetizers from participating restaurants in West Downtown Dearborn. General admission and wine tasting tickets are available at www.dearbornareachamber.org or by calling 313-584-6100. Tickets are on sale now. Save $5 with the coupon code: EARLYBIRD!
Les Stanford Cadillac once again serves as the host for the elegant Wine & Beer Tasting Reception. VIP’s begin at this location and enjoy substantial appetizers & samples provided by LaPita Mediterranean Cuisine and entertainment, 5:00-7:30 pm. A limited number of tickets are available for this exclusive reception for only $50 per couple! Pre-registration is required to attend the reception.
Event Specifics:
- VIP ticket holders will start at Les Stanford Cadillac Showroom beginning at 5pm. VIP reception ends at 7:30pm.
- General admission ticket holders can pick up their wristbands the day of the event beginning at 5:30pm at the Dearborn Area Chamber Commerce. You may also pick up your wristbands on Tuesday, June 4th and Wednesday, June 5th at the Chamber between 8am-3pm.
- Please enjoy appetizers and samples between 6pm-9:30pm! Shuttle service ends at 9:15pm.
“We’re excited to move the date and provide some tasty fun this August!” said Jackie Lovejoy, DACC President. “Our restaurants have been prepping & have all the needed precautions in place to host the public again. This week has been a remarkable tour for me visiting everyone as our dining rooms have opened!” The Chamber provides free shuttles, courtesy of LaFontaine Automotive Group, between downtown West Dearborn and the Fairlane Town Center complex until 9:15 pm. Participants receive a menu passport and map at registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Bryant Library at 22100 Michigan Ave.
A small sample of confirmed restaurants include Brome Modern Eatery, Benihana, Dearborn Brewing, Noah’s SmokeHouse, Lue Thai Cafe, Unburger Grill, Famous Hamburger, Ford’s Garage, I Say It With Café’, La Pita Mediterranean Restaurant, Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin, Modern Greek & Salad Bar, TRIA – Inspired American Cuisine & Starbucks. Additional restaurants are joining daily!
Covid 19 Resources (in a condensed version) Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources
For complete and up to date information, please visit the following links.
In Good Business,
Shenandoah Valley Guide to Re-Opening Businesses
We are excited to share the “Work Hard. Work Smart. Work Safe” Shenandoah Valley Guide to Re-Opening Businesses!
This guide is a thoughtful collaborative effort designed to provide specific measures for businesses across multiple categories to safely reopen during these dynamic times. It will be updated as needed. We are thankful to our partners, and know that we are all #StrongerTogether! View the guide here.
ADP: Back to Business Grant Program is now OPEN
The application portal for the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is NOW OPEN at www.backtobusinessms.org!
Using $240 Million of the state’s federal CARES Act funding, the Back to Business MS program will help small businesses in Mississippi with 50 or fewer employees recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, including operating expenses and salaries. Eligible businesses will be able to receive up to $25,000 in relief support that is not taxable and will not have to be paid back. We have put together an overview below and encourage eligible businesses to visit www.backtobusinessms.org to begin your application today!
Adam Poll leaves Alpena Planning and Development Director for top spot at chamber
The Alpena Arena Chamber of Commerce has hired Adam Poll as its new President and CEO, replacing Jackie Krawzcak who stepped down in January.
Poll is currently the Planning and Development Director for the City of Alpena.
“We are fortunate to have found such a talented and driven candidate locally in the area,” said Eileen Budnick, Chairperson for the chamber board of directors. “We are excited to have Adam join the Chamber team and look forward to the great things his leadership will bring.”
Poll joins the Chamber with 13 years of experience working in municipal planning, economic development and public works.
“For the last six years, I have been honored to be able to work for the City of Alpena and assist with many great projects,” Poll said. “I am very excited to be able to continue to work with this amazing community and to be given the opportunity to affect positive change for not only the City, but the entire Alpena area.”
City Manager Rachel Smolinksi has worked with Poll only a short period of time but values his help during her transition. “I think Adam has been a valuable member of the team and we’re very sorry to see him go,” added Smolinksi. “But at the same time, we are very excited for him and this new opportunity.”
Smolinki said the planning and development job will be posted in the very near future, not only locally, but across Michigan and the entire nation.
Poll is originally from Grand Rapids. He moved to Alpena in 2013 from Waterloo, Iowa after accepting the city position. He is married and has three children. True North Radio
FamousChamber of Commerce Quotations: (via the St. Charles Chamber)
"The best way to predict the future, is to create it."
-Peter Drucker
A New Arrival: Boyle County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Map
The Boyle County 2020 Community Map just arrived at the Danville-Boyle County Chamber today! Thanks to Jeff Jewel, Treina Miller and the chamber team for their help and direction putting this together.
Town Square Publications can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.
Dear Macomb County Chamber Members with 49 or fewer employees...
If your Macomb County Business could use a boost, there is $20 Million in grant funds available through Macomb County. All industries that have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for $5,000 in assistance. Applications are being accepted until June 24 at 11:59 pm.
The grants are part of the Macomb County CARES for Small Business Program, a $70 million initiative made possible through the county’s $152 million allocations of federal CARES Act funding. Each grant will be worth $5,000. MCPED anticipates the funding will provide direct relief to 4,000 businesses in Macomb County.
The grant application will be available at www.MacombBusiness.com.
Small businesses can apply for funds if they meet the following criteria:
Must have a physical location in Macomb County (office/building/storefront).
Employee size is 1- 49 employees.
Must be a for-profit organization.
Businesses must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Business must have been in business for at least 12 months.
Businesses must showcase a verifiable need for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, and/or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
Businesses must be able to verify they have been negatively impacted or experienced a loss in revenue or business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An application must also include:
A signed W9 from within the last 12 months.
A recent utility bill (within the last 6 months) that lists the business address. This can be a rent or mortgage payment, water, gas, electric, or phone bill. The address must match the location you are submitting for a grant.
A signed and dated affidavit.
Businesses will be notified of their grant status no later than July 1. Funds will be distributed starting July 2. Additional information on eligibility and grant scoring can be found at www.macombbusiness.com.
Event Invitation: Multi-Chamber B2B Progressive Virtual Networking Event
This opportunity to network and collaborate with other B2B leaders is brought to you by the St. Charles Chamber in partnership with Bartlett Area, Batavia, Geneva, Cary-Grove Area, Elgin Area, and Northern Kane County Chambers. Join us for this great chance to connect with businesses from all across the area!
Date: June 24, 2020
Time: 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM CDT
Email: info@stcharleschamber.com
Date/Time Details:
This opportunity to network and collaborate with other B2B leaders is brought to you by the St. Charles Chamber in partnership with Bartlett Area, Batavia, Geneva, Cary-Grove Area, Elgin Area, and Northern Kane County Chambers. Join us for this great chance to connect with businesses from all across the area!
Wednesday, June 24th at 11:30am
Zoom Webinar
You will receive Zoom details following Registration
Fees/Admission:
$10 Fee for all Participants
Time: 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM CDT
Email: info@stcharleschamber.com
Date/Time Details:
This opportunity to network and collaborate with other B2B leaders is brought to you by the St. Charles Chamber in partnership with Bartlett Area, Batavia, Geneva, Cary-Grove Area, Elgin Area, and Northern Kane County Chambers. Join us for this great chance to connect with businesses from all across the area!
Wednesday, June 24th at 11:30am
Zoom Webinar
You will receive Zoom details following Registration
Fees/Admission:
$10 Fee for all Participants
Grand Rapids Area Chamber: Kent County Small Business Recovery Program
Overview:
The COVID-19 crisis is devastating the fabric of our local business community. Kent County is built on the backbone of entrepreneurship and small business, and the Kent County Small Business Recovery Program is aimed at delivering short–term financial support to small businesses with the goal of supporting a strong economic recovery.
Who is the fund intended for?
This fund is focused on using Coronavirus Relief Funds provided under the CARES Act to support for-profit businesses with 0-25 full-time equivalent employees located in Kent County.
What is the purpose of the fund?
This fund helps businesses that have not been able to access, or have been declined for local, state, or federal relief funds, or need additional support to weather this crisis. We are focused on businesses that may be dealing with additional barriers including but not limited to language, general business knowledge, and from underserved communities. Consistent with the limitations of the CARES Act, these businesses also must have been directly impacted and experienced losses due to business interruption due to COVID-19. All distributions of funds are subject to the requirements of the CARES Act and Treasury Department guidance on the use of Coronavirus Relief Funds.
What does the fund provide?
Businesses that qualify for this fund will receive: A short-term economic relief grant ranging from $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on size of business, operating costs, and additional scoring metrics. Read more: Grand Rapids Chamber
The COVID-19 crisis is devastating the fabric of our local business community. Kent County is built on the backbone of entrepreneurship and small business, and the Kent County Small Business Recovery Program is aimed at delivering short–term financial support to small businesses with the goal of supporting a strong economic recovery.
Who is the fund intended for?
This fund is focused on using Coronavirus Relief Funds provided under the CARES Act to support for-profit businesses with 0-25 full-time equivalent employees located in Kent County.
What is the purpose of the fund?
This fund helps businesses that have not been able to access, or have been declined for local, state, or federal relief funds, or need additional support to weather this crisis. We are focused on businesses that may be dealing with additional barriers including but not limited to language, general business knowledge, and from underserved communities. Consistent with the limitations of the CARES Act, these businesses also must have been directly impacted and experienced losses due to business interruption due to COVID-19. All distributions of funds are subject to the requirements of the CARES Act and Treasury Department guidance on the use of Coronavirus Relief Funds.
What does the fund provide?
Businesses that qualify for this fund will receive: A short-term economic relief grant ranging from $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on size of business, operating costs, and additional scoring metrics. Read more: Grand Rapids Chamber
APPLY HERE
APLIQUE AQUÍ
Illinois Chamber chief: State needs to modify reopening plan
While Gov. J.B. Pritzker's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been commendable, more needs to be done to keep businesses in Illinois from closing due to the economic fallout from the crisis, the head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce told suburban business leaders Wednesday.
Todd Maisch, speaking at the Mid-Year Economic Summit hosted by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, told a group of about 100 people that the governor needs to be more flexible with the state's 5-stage reopening plan because too many business owners are hurting financially, and as a result, too many people in the state are out of work.
He noted there are two separate crises facing the state: the public health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus and the economic crisis resulting from the lockdown. While Pritzker should be commended for his dealing with the public health issue, Maisch said, the governor needs to do more to help businesses get back to normal operations.
"We understand the focus has been on public health, but how do you look at 1.1 million Illinoisans without a job?" he said. "We've got to be able to do two things at one time."
The hospitality industry, in particular, has been severely affected by the crisis, he said, as they were among the first businesses to close and will likely be the last to reopen.
"I don't know how many hotels -- even in the Loop -- are going to survive this if they are going to lose an entire convention season in 2021," Maisch said. "McCormick Place is a dark barn and it will be for another year if there's not reconsideration of that plan.
"We advocate looking at other states, learning from what they're doing, and modifying so we can get our economy back up and going," he added.
State Treasurer Michael Frerichs told the group about his office's small business bridge loan, which has been helping many business owners stay afloat during the crisis. The treasurer set aside $250 million in March -- when the lockdown first took effect -- for low-interest loans to help state businesses.
Frerichs noted the program had been in existence since the 1980s, which helped state officials implement the loans well before the federal government was able to provide relief.
The treasurer's office is primarily focused on helping established businesses stay afloat during the crisis through its low-interest loan programs. Read more: Daily Herald
From the Joliet Chamber: Coronavirus update for 6.18.2020 - Info on Business Interruption and Rebuild Distressed Communities Grants
Chamber Members:
In case you missed the update from yesterday, Governor Pritzker made a big announcement for $900 million worth of grants spread over five programs. Today’s update is going to focus on two of those programs and we will work to get more info out as it becomes available for the application process that is to begin on Monday, June 22. We also get to share more unemployment numbers as it is Thursday.
The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program
As part of the FY20 and FY21 DCEO budget the department is appropriated funds from the Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Fund to support expenses associated with economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program will reimburse costs incurred by businesses due to business interruption caused by required closures. All spending related to this program must be reimbursable by the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, as prescribed by 601(a) of the Social Security Act and added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act including all subsequent federal guidance.
- Program Basics
• Using one or more intermediaries, DCEO will issue grants to businesses to reimburse the costs of business interruption caused by required closures or limited operational capacity under one of Governor Pritzker’s Executive Orders or public health guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Businesses which demonstrate an interruption may receive a grant to reimburse expenditures incurred during periods of limited capacity or closure. The program focuses on reimbursing expenses associated with the business’s operations (“operating costs”) which include, but are not limited to:
a) payroll & benefit payments on behalf of retained employees;
b) lease & mortgage payments for business location(s), as well as related utility expenses;
c) variable costs for the goods or services provided; as well as
d) expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees.
• The period in which businesses may claim eligible expenditures is March 21, 2020 through December 30, 2020.
• From appropriated amounts, 50% of funding will be released to businesses that enable critical support services such as childcare, day care, and early childhood education.
• From appropriated amounts, a minimum of 30% will be released to businesses with ZIP codes located in the most disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) of Illinois.
• Awards will be made with the following focuses:
o Funding will be prioritized for industries and businesses most greatly impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergencies.
o Funding will be prioritized for businesses which did not received assistance from the Federal Payment Protection Program.
• Awards will be made in accordance with General Assembly appropriations:
o For General Business Interruption Grants
▪ $159 million for areas outside of Chicago, Cook County, and the collar counties
▪ $157 million for statewide distribution
▪ $60 million for disproportionately impacted areas of Illinois
o For Business interruption Grants for Childcare and Daycare providers
▪ $70 million for areas outside of Chicago, Cook County, and the collar counties
▪ $165 million for statewide distribution
▪ $25 million for disproportionately impacted areas (DIA) of Illinois
✓ To meet the 50% Childcare requirement in statute, amounts will be released to Childcare and Daycare provides from “General” appropriations.
✓ To meet the 30% DIA requirement in statute, amounts will be released to DIA regions from the non-DIA related appropriations.
- Qualifying Businesses
As well as meeting the Program’s basic criteria above, a Qualifying Business is:✓ Eligible for reimbursement as prescribed by 601(a) of the Social Security Act and added by section 5001 of the CARES Act.✓ Experiencing business interruption due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.✓ Registered and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State.✓ Licensed to do business within their industry (if applicable).
Qualifying Businesses will be more exactly defined through subsequent funding notices based on business type, industry, and region.
III. Planned Funding Rounds:
1. Disproportionately impacted business, Bars, Restaurants, Barbershops & Salons, and Fitness Centers - $60 million
Eligibility: up to $20,000 per business
▪ $20M for Business located within a disproportionately impacted area and
experienced significant business losses as Illinois entered Phase 3 of Restore Illinois.
▪ $20M for Bars & Restaurants with under $3M in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated
amount if in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for
at least three months prior to March 2020. Only bars and restaurants that have not
provided outdoor food and beverage service during Phase 3 will be eligible. This could
be for any reason including prohibition by local ordinance, lack of access to outdoor
space, or financial infeasibility.
▪ $10M for Barbershops & Salons with under $500K in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated
amount if in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for
at least three months prior to March 2020.
▪ $10M for Fitness centers with under $2M in revenue in 2019, or pro-rated amount if
in business for less than a year. Must have been an operating business for at least
three months prior to March 2020.
2. Child Care Restoration Grants - $270 million
The Child Care Restoration grant program will dedicate at least $270 million of the state’s Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Fund to support the economic health of childcare providers as the state’s economy continues to reopen in the coming weeks and months. As part of CURE, the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) Program is specifically designed to support businesses who endure lost revenue due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The first program of its kind in the nation, supporting Illinois’vast network of childcare providers as they continue to provide care to children across the state through the COVID-19 pandemic.
IV. Future Funding Rounds:
• Future funding rounds of the BIG program are being planned and the main industries of consideration are ones which will not re-open to full capacity until phases four or five of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan. Examples of these industries are:
o Theaters, concert halls, event venues & event industries
o Indoor amusements and other arts
o Neighborhood-oriented independent retail
o Independently owned/operated personal services
o Additional industries as identified by DCEO
**All of this information is attached as a PDF document
Rebuild Distressed Communities
Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program to support Illinois businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protest and demonstrations on or after May 25th, 2020. The program will identify Grantees to solicit applications, administer subgrants and coordinate qualified vendors to make repairs for impacted businesses.
Program Design: The Rebuild Distressed Communities NOFO will solicit applications from eligible applicants (“Administrator”) to administer $25 million in Rebuild Illinois capital funds for businesses that have sustained property damage as a result of recent civil unrest. Administrators will solicit, evaluate, and select project applications from eligible Illinois businesses in their region, coordinate qualified vendors to make the repairs or perform new construction (with a priority for BEP vendors), and oversee these projects for completion. A portion of the funds will be allocated to reimburse businesses for costs incurred for work performed since May 25, and the remainder will fund new projects to perform repairs or new construction.
Funding Sources: This opportunity will have two funding components:
1. Administrative expenses incurred by the Administrator Grantees will be funded from
Community Development Grants, funded by Public Act 101-0637.
2. Funding to support capital repairs for businesses will be from the Rebuild Illinois Program, funded by Public Act 101-0638.
Eligible Administrators will include non-profit organizations; chambers of commerce; county, local, or regional economic development organizations; community development financial institutions; or organizations or associations that have demonstrated experience administering grants of this kind.
Grant Specifics: Grants to administrators will be competitive. DCEO will make multiple awards under this program. Each administrator grantee will be required to propose a region they will cover. Administrators will be expected to begin receiving applications from businesses within two weeks of executing a grant agreement with the state.
Business Eligibility: Eligible businesses must have sustained property damage as a result of civil unrest during protests or demonstrations on or after May 25, 2020. Eligible businesses include but are not limited to: grocery, pharmacy, personal and professional services, restaurant/taverns, retail, and others.
Additional priority will be given to businesses with fewer than 50 employees, women and minority- owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, businesses that have a high community impact such as grocery stores, and businesses in communities that have a history of disinvestment.
Eligible Uses for Property Repair Funds: Capital funds will be used to fund property repair and are subject to bondability guidelines. Eligible project expenses include major and durable repair of an asset, including:
Repair of structural damages, including signs, awning, storefronts, entrances, doors, brickwork, total roof repair/replacement, and window replacement; installation of security shutters; reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structure (walls, floors, ceilings, interior finishes, and demolition of previous); lighting and electrical systems; building additions; and exterior work which will extend the building’s useful life.
Routine or reoccurring operational or maintenance costs, restocking of inventory, or expenses that have been reimbursed through a separate grant program or insurance claim are not eligible expenses.
Jobless Claims
Weekly jobless claims stayed above 1 million for the 13th consecutive week. First-time claims totaled 1.5 million last week, higher than the 1.3 million that economists had been expecting. The government report’s total was 58,000 lower than the previous weeks.
Stay well,
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Staff and Board of Directors
Mike Paone
Vice President – Government Affairs
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
mpaone@jolietchamber.com
815.727.5371 main
815.727.5373 direct
Downriver Community Leaders to Celebrate Safely Reopening In-Person Economic Activity with Special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Event to take place as a part of the “#SupportDownriver” campaign, charging the entire region with the critical mission to support local small businesses
TAYLOR, MI – The Downriver Community Conference and the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber will hold a “Reopening Downriver” ribbon cutting at the Sheridan Center Open Air Pavilion in Taylor’s Heritage Park at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 1. The event will include remarks from elected and business leaders, along with renowned radio personality and host of “Michigan’s Big Show,” Michael Patrick Shiels.
The pavilion is located at 1211 Pardee Road, blocks north of Northline Road. Free parking is available directly in front of the pavilion.
The two organizations have partnered in the "#SupportDownriver" campaign, encompassing the vision of working together in "elevating our region." The campaign, founded in positive messaging and promotion of local businesses, has become more and more important in 2020 due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. As one united region, the effort promotes saving lives, businesses and jobs.
“It is going to take our entire community coming together to save businesses and jobs by shopping small and local,” said Ronald J. Hinrichs, president and CEO of the chamber. “We are calling on all residents and business owners to support local Downriver entrepreneurs with positive messaging on social media, with numerous posts tagging local businesses. This results in complimentary, beneficial and effective marketing for our local job providers, allowing the people of our region to influence positive change and to have a real and lasting impact on our entire community."
DCC Executive Director Jim Perry takes those thoughts a step further.
“We are standing with our local communities to strongly advocate for federal financial support for local municipalities, who provide critical everyday resources for our residents and business community, and have been significantly impacted as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “We hope to see this type of support in the Phase 4 bill soon.”
Hinrichs points to the cities of Taylor, Trenton, and Wyandotte, for example, as municipalities that have eased restrictions that could assist in boosting the local economy to save businesses and jobs. Taylor, for instance, has streamlined outdoor business expansion requirements through an emergency ordinance, and is also focusing on issues like small business restart grants and collaborative purchases of personal protection equipment.
Hinrichs urges local, state and federal leadership to provide additional grant funding for businesses seeking PPE and other operational needs during the current pandemic. The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program, for example, provides up to a $5,000 matching grant, though many small businesses may not be able to meet the match requirement.
The crowd at the celebratory ribbon-cutting will be limited in number to abide by current executive orders and is by invitation only. Media interested in covering the event should email Hinrichs in advance at rhinrichs@swcrc.com. Any attendee should practice social distancing and Centers for Disease Control and State of Michigan guidelines.
To learn more about the campaign, including downloadable letters, social media banners and flyers, click in https://www.swcrc.com/SupportDownriver/.
Be sure to follow the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber on Facebook at facebook.com/SWCRC and the Chamber website at www.SWCRC.com for all the latest news and events.
The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber provides businesses and organizations across the Downriver region with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.
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