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January 15, 2021

Features, News • January 15, 2021

Help for financial hardship in McHenry County

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MCHENRY COUNTY – Anyone thinking the rollout of vaccine for COVID-19 would end the struggle faced daily by small businesses and individuals is mistaken.  The struggle continues under the weight of a growing coronavirus pandemic. Among the problems are the high number of businesses that have either closed and let people go or businesses barely holding on. Financial hardship isn’t lost on McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler. Buehler, a small business owner, knows the suffering going on.

“So we are doing everything we can to obtain funding,” he said.

McHenry County has offered relief by extending a deadline through the Immediate Business Relief Grant Program. The county is also working to secure millions of dollars from the federal government for distribution to landlords and utilities to help those who haven’t been able to keep up, according to Buehler.

Buehler points out  the stimulus bill that just passed includes funding for counties. “We’ve sent out an application for funding for rental reimbursement and utility reimbursement,” Buehler said.  McHenry County leaders hope the county receives $9.3 million dollars directly from the federal government

For  small businesses, the Immediate Business Relief Grant program was extended from late December to January 15 for eligible businesses.  The businesses eligible serve the food service, accommodation, arts, entertainment and recreation sectors.  Each grant is worth $15,000 to businesses located in McHenry County.  The eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least two years as of September 1, 2020.  They must have between two and 25 employees and must be able to demonstrate at least $25,000 in lost revenue for a six-month period between March and October. Businesses that are ineligible already received a state Business Interruption Grant. A complete list of eligibility requirements and restrictions can be found at bit.ly/38nBEuE.  Eligible businesses must apply through an application portal called “Neighborly,” and must first complete an applicant profile portal.neighborlysoftware.com/mchenrycountyil/participant. Businesses selected for the grant will receive the award announcement by the end of January.