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September 28, 2020

Huntley Tacos Locos on Route 47 was one of two Huntley businesses to receive a $10,000 grant under the first round of Business Interruption Grants issued by the state of Illinois. Applications are now being taken for the second round of the program, this time offering $220 million in funds.
Gavin Maliska
Huntley Tacos Locos on Route 47 was one of two Huntley businesses to receive a $10,000 grant under the first round of Business Interruption Grants issued by the state of Illinois. Applications are now being taken for the second round of the program, this time offering $220 million in funds.

News • September 28, 2020

State opens second round of grants to aid small businesses

By

MCHENRY COUNTY – The McHenry County Economic Development Corp. and the McHenry County Board want small business owners in the county to be aware of the $220 million second round of Business Interruption Grant (BIG) funds available to assist small businesses impacted by the cornavirus pandemic.

The grants from the state are focused on businesses in what is referred to as disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) —identified in McHenry County as the Harvard and Richmond areas —or heavily distressed industries, such as movie theaters, performing arts venues, concert venues, indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks.

During the first round of BIG grants, the state awarded nearly a half-million dollars to 31 businesses in McHenry County, including restaurants, personal care businesses, gyms and fitness centers hit hardest by COVID-19. Those local businesses were among nearly 2,800 across the state to receive the grants.

According to a news release from the state, the first round grants averaged $17,000 with the majority going to businesses in economically distressed communities. More than half went to minority-owned businesses. In Huntley, Lily Nails and Huntley’s Tacos Locos each received $10,000.

McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks said in a news release, “The survival of our businesses is critical to the local economy. Businesses need all the help they can get to overcome the extreme challenges placed on them from the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will provide some relief to those hardest hit, but I urge all residents to continue to do what they can to support our local businesses by shopping and dining locally, especially as we head into the winter months when it will get even more challenging.”

“Time is of the essence,” McHenry County EDC President Jim McConoughey said in a news release. “I encourage McHenry County businesses to take advantage of this funding opportunity. “

In the second round of grants, the state will target businesses that have been unable to reopen or are operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.

Applications for the new BIG grants are available now. Employers can view application information, including a list of required documents on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Business Interruption Grants (BIG) website.