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Small Business Resources – COVID-19

State Resources

ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY (DCEO) has launched emergency assistance programs for small businesses.

EMERGENCY SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS AND LOANS ASSISTANCE:

  • ILLINOIS SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY LOAN FUND: A $60 million fund provides low-interest loans up to $50,000 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019.
  • HOSPITALITY EMERGENCY GRANT PROGRAM: A new $14 million grant program provides up to $25,000 to eligible bars and restaurants and $50,000 for eligible hotels. Bars and restaurants with less than $1 million of revenue in 2019 and hotels generating less than $8 million in revenue in 2019 are eligible.
  • DOWNSTATE SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION PROGRAM: To support small businesses in downstate and rural counties across Illinois, DCEO is repurposing $20 million in CDBG funds to stand up the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. This Fund will offer small businesses of up to 50 employees the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grants of up to $25,000 in working capital.
    • These grants will be offered on a rolling basis.

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE has provided a full list of resources, webinars, research and advocacy for small businesses and information on how you can help small businesses in your community.

Chicago Resources

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO has launched the first stage of an effort to provide emergency support and address some of the immediate needs of local residents, businesses, and community-based nonprofits on the South Side.

BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION small business resource navigators shares and navigates available resources as well as offers individualized counseling and support for business owners.

Multi-State & Illinois

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION (LISC) is actively curating funding opportunities and resources that may be helpful nonprofit organizations, businesses, and workers who need support in this time of crisis.

General Links & Resources

Capital Development Board

  • The Capital Development Board (CDB) oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as prisons, college and university classroom buildings, mental health hospitals and state parks. To work with CDB on state construction projects and learn more about guidelines and procedures, check out the CBD's website.

Diverse Vendor Search

  • Search the BEP Vendors Directory, the Small Business Vendors Directory or the VOSB/SDVOSB Vendors Directory.

Illinois Procurement Bulletin Public Institutions of Higher Education

  • The Bulletin is a free online resource for vendors wishing to do business with the public universities in Illinois. Participating universities post notices for upcoming bids, requests for proposal, requests for information, solicitation documents, and awards.

Illinois Procurement Bulletin - Supplies and Services

  • The State of Illinois is pleased to introduce its new Vendor Payment Program. This program is designed to assist our vendors and service providers with working capital.

Illinois Department of Transportation - Procurement

  • Learn more about IDOT business processes related to procurement, including prequalification, advertisements, policies, guidelines, and much more.

Illinois Procurement Gateway

  • The IPG is an online vendor portal used for gathering business information from vendors who wish to conduct business with Illinois' State agencies and universities. There is no registration cost to vendors.

OBFS Purchases

  • The University of Illinois System Purchasing Divisions are a division of the Office of Business and Financial Services designated to obtain commodities, equipment, and services to support the educational mission of the U of I System.

State of Illinois, Sell 2 Illinois

  • Navigate Sell 2 Illinois streamlined procurement process. Special programs are available for small and diverse business enterprises to help you grow your revenues, enhance your credentials and build your business capacity.

University Office of Capital Programs & Real Estate Services

  • The University of Illinois System Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services facilitates and oversees the development of and adherence to policies, procedures and systems pertaining to the built environment of the U of I System.

Last Updated: April 29, 2020

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