FRANKFORT – Eighteen South Suburban businesses received Business Interruption Grant money, State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) announced Thursday.

“With COVID-19 positivity and death rates increasing, Governor Pritzker has put mitigation measures in place for communities across the state. As a result, South Suburban business owners have had to endure multiple shutdowns,” Hastings said. “It is essential that the state provides help, and I am incredibly appreciative that our businesses that have borne the brunt of this pandemic were prioritized in this round of grants."

Businesses were awarded $5,000-$150,000 grants to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of BIG Grants. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

“I have spoken to numerous recipients of these grants, which I voted this past session to fully fund, and they have expressed to me how helpful the money was in helping their businesses stay afloat. From Tom Kelly’s Pub in New Lenox to Flavor in Richton Park, I have seen firsthand the difference these grants have made in the lives of our business owners and their employees.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on the DCEO’s website.