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Resources for Businesses

Updated 8.5.2020

With frequent changes taking place, we are continuing to update information and resources for businesses on a regular basis and will share them here. Interested in updates via email? Please get in touch with us at info@LFLBchamber.com.

ILLINOIS ENTERED PHASE 4 OF THE RESTORE ILLINOIS PROGRAM ON JUNE 26

To prepare businesses and employers to implement new and updated safety guidelines in Phase 4, the State developed a business toolkit complete with signage, posters, and other resources to ensure business and activities are conducted in accordance with the latest public health recommendations.

Phase 4 guidelines include five new industry categories and updated recommendations for the existing categories from Phase 3. Each set of industry directives includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines.

 

June 2, 2020

- RESTORE ILLINOIS - GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING

 

PPP LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION & WEBINAR
Complete the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application to the best of your ability, consulting your lender and accountant as necessary.

The Illinois Small Business Development and International Trade Center at the College of Lake County is available for virtual appointments with a team of advisers ready to discuss emergency funding options and more for your business.  To schedule an appointment with the SBDC click HERE.

 

PLUMBING SYSTEM SAFETY AND RE-OPENING FACILITIES AFTER SHUT-DOWN

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) offers guidelines for preparing dormant buildings for reopening.

ADDITIONAL RE-OPENING GUIDELINES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SITES

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

LF/LB Chamber of Commerce

Local Businesses Helping Others

U.S. Small Business Administration

State of Illinois 

Federal 

Health Organizations

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NONPROFITS

Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund

$28 Million in private philanthropy funding for nonprofit organizations that provide: emergency food and supplies, housing, health care services, utility assistance, household expenses, supports for children and other vulnerable populations, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance.  Multiple funding rounds, apply: www.ilcovidresponsefund.org

 

Chicago COVID-19 Community Response Fund

$13.5 Million raised to support social safety net nonprofits in both Chicago and collar counties.  To Apply: www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org

 

Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund

$300,000 raised from corporations and individuals, and funds will go to health and human service nonprofits.  To Apply: www.liveunitedlakecounty.org/covid19

 

Lake County Community Crisis Relief Fund

Funding for nonprofit health and human service providers.  Grants applications are invitation only.  Contact Lake County Community Foundation with questions.

 

Illinois Humanities COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants

$2,500 general operating grants to Illinois-based humanities and cultural nonprofits with annual budgets of $300,000 or less located outside the City of Chicago.  To apply: ilhumanities.org/ReliefGrants

 

Arts for Illinois Relief Fund

Public-private partnership that support artists and arts and culture organizations experiencing hardship caused by COVID-19.  Grants between $1,500 and $2,000 to individuals and between $6,000 to $30,000 to organizations.  To apply: https://artsforillinois.org​