Small Business Association Released Information and Guidance on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Program details, documents, and an application can be found on the SBA website.
The Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund opened Monday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. CT. Details on the program including eligibility, use of funds, and more can be found here.
Village Board Authorizes Restaurant Relief Program
The Mayor and Village Board passed a resolution on Thursday, November 5, 2020 to create a Restaurant Relief Program. The program authorized an immediate rebate on-premise liquor license fees to over 20 Woodridge-based restaurants. Additionally, restaurants/breweries who rely primarily on their on-premise dining who have been significantly impacted by dining restrictions are eligible for a $7,500 maximum grant for operating expenses (i.e. payroll, rent, utilities, etc.), and a $15,000 maximum grant for capital expenses (i.e. table and tent rentals for outdoor dining) related to COVID. The funding for this program will be provided via a portion of the Village’s CARES Act allocation and is estimated to distribute $350,000 back into the Woodridge business community. The grant application and information packet is now online via the hyperlinks below.
UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2020
- Additional $2.5M authorized in grant funding through DuPage County for restaurants and food establishments - more information here
- ComEd Small Business Assistance Program - more information here
UPDATE - August 2020
ComeThe Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) proposed an emergency rule, which was approved by the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), regarding the use of face coverings. Governor JB Pritzker, during his press briefing announcing the rules last week, stated that the rules provide multiple opportunities for compliance before any penalty is issued and are a commonsense way to enforce public health guidelines. A fact sheet regarding the rules can be found here.
Governor JB Pritzker joined members of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucuses of the state legislature and small business owners to announce a package of state grant programs to support communities and businesses impacted by the pandemic and recent civil unrest. The package includes more than $900 million across more than ten programs and four state agencies to help working families and small businesses who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19’s economic impacts, which was compounded by recent property damage and civil unrest. Click here for more information.
DCEO Grant Opportunity: The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will launch the first round of Business Interruption Grants (BIG) by providing $60 million to businesses experiencing losses or business interruption as a result of COVID-19 related closures. The BIG Program is available for up to 3,500 businesses that experienced a limited ability to operate due to COVID-19 related closures. Click here for eligibility and information. The program will begin accepting applications on Monday, June 22.
Choose DuPage Small Business Grant: In an effort to assist small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19, DuPage County in conjunction with Choose DuPage is providing grants to use for employee retention payroll, utilities, and rent. Visit the Small Business Relief Grant Program website for additional information.
Emergency Powers Allowing Restaurant Liquor License Holders To Fill Growlers and Crowlers - On Friday, April 30, Mayor Gina Cunningham exercised Emergency Powers to allow local Woodridge establishments, which hold either a Class A-1 (Full Liquor Restaurant License) or Class A-3 (Beer and Wine Restaurant License) liquor licenses the ability to fill and sell growlers and crowlers in accordance with State law. This order went into effect on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m., and remain in effect until Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. This order is an addition to the earlier established allowance of A-1 and A-3 license holders to sell packaged beer and wine in conjunction with a food order for curbside pick-up or carryout.
The IDPH and the Office of the Attorney General have released their Workplace Health and Safety Guidance for Employees and Staff of Businesses (available via this link). This guidance should be printed and is required to be posted by all businesses that have employees physically reporting to work.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has created COVID-19: Emergency Resources for Businesses (available via this link). The document provides information regarding assistance opportunities for small, midsize and large businesses and should be shared with your local business community.
For Businesses or other large organizations: Has your Facility Been Closed For Weeks? Flush the Pipes!
A REMINDER FOR SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES THAT CLOSED AS A RESULT OF THE CORONAVIRUS
Large building owners and operators are encouraged to proactively flush the water lines within buildings, adjust hot water temperature, and check building plumbing and heating/cooling systems. Click here for more information
The CDC also recommends to ensure the safety of your building water system and devices after a prolonged shutdown. More information here.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
(1) WorkNet DuPage Career Center: The WorkNet DuPage Career Center is committed to providing workers and businesses with every tool in their arsenal to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. Through their “From Layoff to Launch” webpage, DuPage County residents can quickly and easily access a wide range of assistance to help their careers in these uncertain times.
(2) The Illinois SBDC/PTAC/ITC at College of DuPage, has expert advisors that can help assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cod.edu/bdc
(3) U.S Chamber of Commerce and Inc. Fourth Virtual National Small Business Town Hall: Inc. Editor-At-Large Kimberly Weisul and Chamber Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley will discuss the resources that are available to small business owners even as the provisions in the CARES Act run dry, unpack the steps business owners should take now, and share the Chamber's efforts in urging action for additional small business funding. Click here to register for the COMPLIMENTARY program on Friday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. Please note that space is limited and advance registration is required.
The Choose DuPage COVID-19 Small Business Guidance on Available Loan Resources Webinar from Tuesday, April 7 was recorded and is now available online.Click here to view the webinar
SBA Update: The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months. The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief
CLICK HERE TO ENROLL IN OUR LOCAL BUSINESS E-NOTIFY GROUP
The Village of Woodridge Mayor and Village Board are aware of the challenges that are facing our local businesses during these uncertain times. The Village understands that at this time, as information is rapidly evolving, there are many implications for our businesses. As such the Village Board and Village have taken the following measures (click on the below links for more information):
- Village Suspends Water Disconnections & Water Late Payment Penalties until Further Notice
- Woodridge Amends Liquor Licenses for Restaurants; Extends Business Licenses for 90 Days
Chamber630 has put together a comprehensive page with relevant information for our business community
https://www.chamber630.com/category/covid-19
ALL BUSINESSES - Financial Relief Resources Related To COVID-19
State of Illinois Sales Tax Postponement: The State of Illinois has instituted a 90-day extension of sales tax collection as a financial relief measure for businesses negatively affected by COVID-19. Please click here for additional information.
Choose DuPage, a local Economic Development Alliance has put together a webpage with many resources for DuPage County businesses, including Woodridge.
The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) has many programs including the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs.
Choose DuPage has published a Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act.
State Treasurer Bridge Loans: Illinois small businesses can tap into $250 million in low-interest bridge loans to help push through the COVID-19 pandemic. The state treasurer's office will make $250 million available to Illinois banks and credit unions that wish to participate. The financial institutions will determine who is eligible for the loans. More information is available at this link: https://illinoistreasurer.gov/Invest_in_Illinois/Small_Business_COVID-19_Relief_Program
ALL BUSINESSES - Illinois Municipal League (IML) and DCEO Resource on "Essential" Businesses
There have been many questions regarding whether a business is considered essential or if it must comply with the "Stay at Home" Order. DCEO is available to answer those questions and has issued guidance on Essential Businesses & Operations, linked here. Contact DCEO's helpline by phone at (800) 252-2923 to leave a message or by email at CEO.support@illinois.gov. A helpful flowchart to determine if a business is essential or non-essential has been developed by DCEO and is available via this link.
Woodridge Local Restaurant Reminders
The Village of Woodridge wants to remind local restaurants of the mandate as set forth by the State of Illinois, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, and encourage our residents to continue supporting local business.
Woodridge Restaurants
Woodridge restaurants, while prohibited from providing dine-in services until further notice, can still provide food via carryout, curbside, delivery, or drive-thru.
Woodridge Restaurants with liquor
Woodridge restaurants with liquor, if licensed to sell with off-premise consumption may conduct “in-person” sales on a “to go” basis only. The Village recently amended restaurants with A-1 or A-3 licenses to sell packaged beer and wine, in conjunction with a food order on a to-go basis.
Woodridge Liquor Stores
Woodridge licensed establishment that provide liquor for off-premise consumption may provide liquor via curbside pickup. License holders may permit patrons to enter license establishments, if the licensee can maintain a suitable environment where patrons can maintain the CDC six feet social distance recommendation.
All Businesses with Liquor Licenses
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission has just issued a statement (located here) indicating that if your State of Illinois Liquor License expires on March 31, April 30,or May 31, 2020 it will automatically be extended until July 31, 2020. Please view the link for more information on the ILCC's recommendation for renewal.
Woodridge Residents
Woodridge takes pride in our delightful dining scene, and now is a time to support our local restaurants! While Illinois has prohibited restaurants from providing dine-in services due to COVID-19, we can patronize Woodridge restaurants in a few ways:
- Ordering food for carryout or delivery
- Tipping generously when possible for delivery services
- Purchasing local gift cards online or over the phone
- Sharing social media posts from local restaurants with friends/family
Executive Order 2020-07
Illinois Liquor Control Commission Compliance Directive
Illinois Liquor Control Commission (updated with information for liquor license holders)