The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs as defined in the eligible cost list found here.
BIG grants aim to provide relief for all types of small businesses, but with a particular focus on businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs), and for heavily impacted industry and regions – representing businesses that have been unable to reopen or operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.
Applications for this new round of funding can be submitted beginning on September 17th. A total of $220 million will be made available for small business of all types in Illinois.
For additional information on this program click on the link below, or submit questions via the following question submission form in either English or Spanish.
