ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging small business owners across Rockford and nearby areas that have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for the second round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Small businesses support thousands of families across the state, especially in communities like Rockford,” Stadelman said. “These businesses need this funding to stay afloat, and I’m thrilled to see the state is continuing to do everything possible to help our small business community.”

The second round of BIG funding builds on the more than $49 million in grants awarded statewide in August. The Rockford area received nearly $2 million in grants during the first round, which ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 to assist businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and other possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic.

The second round of grants is intended to provide relief for all types of small businesses, with a focus on businesses located downstate, including the Rockford area. They include $60 million for heavily distressed industries, such as movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, event spaces located at banquet halls and hotels, and more. $70 million has been set aside for disproportionately impacted communities that have been the most economically distressed and vulnerable to COVID-19.

“The first round of these grants are supporting dozens of businesses in my community,” Stadelman said. “This round will help ensure additional businesses are given the tools needed to navigate through the backend of this pandemic.”

To promote equity in the program, priority for grant funding will be given to small businesses with 50 employees or fewer, women and minority-owned businesses, underinsured or uninsured businesses, and inherently essential businesses – like grocery stores – in economically distressed areas. DCEO has created a list of impacted zip codes to help determine eligibility of project location, found here.