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Illinois

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 24, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Illinois, we recommend that you visit the state's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Business Interruption Grants Program

Description of Program and Relief

The Business Interruption Grants Program will provide $60 million to up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19-related closures. The first wave of grants will focus on small businesses located in disproportionately impacted areas that were heavily restricted or shut down during the pandemic. The program will also prioritize businesses located in areas that have experienced recent property damage due to civil unrest.

The BIG Program includes:

  • 1,000 grants of $20,000 each for businesses located in certain areas that have recently experienced significant property damage;

  • 1,000 grants of up to $20,000 each for bars and restaurants unable to offer outside service;

  • 1,000 grants of $10,000 each for barbershops and salons; and

  • 500 grants of $20,000 each for gyms and fitness centers that have lost significant revenue due to COVID-19.

Government or Lead Agency

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Dates Available

DCEO will begin accepting applications on June 26. Until then, the application questions are available online for businesses to review and prepare.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Information on eligibility requirements can be found here. Businesses must have been in operation for at least three months prior to March 2020, must demonstrate costs or losses in excess of the grant amount since March, and must meet certain revenue criteria.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

800-252-2923 (voice)

800-785-6055 (TTY)

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e623fe7ce99c42e8a4907c18ef73d0f5 (English)

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/dcacb058ad2348faa5da664095343ea5 (Spanish)

List of Additional Information

For additional information, visit here, here, and here. A draft of the application for review is available here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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