By Neil Doyle
NORMAL – The town of Normal has developed a Small Business Relief Program (SBRP) to assist small businesses significantly impacted by COVID-19.
The town received $450,000 from the Local CURE Economic Support Payments Grant Program, a federally funded effort from the Coronavirus Relief Fund which uses dollars allocated to Illinois through the CARES Act.
The SBRP will provide eligible businesses with funds up to $15,000, divided into equal opportunities for grants of $5,000 in three broad categories:
(1) Operational Assistance Grant –up to $5,000 for expenses related to sustaining business operations. (e.g., rent, mortgage or utilities)
(2) Digital and Marketing Support Grant – up to $5,000 for efforts related to enhancing their digital footprint. (e.g., social media marketing, point of sale systems, website enhancements)
(3) Business Modification Grant –up to $5,000 in reimbursement for COVID-19-related physical improvements/modifications made to ensure continued service. (e.g., building modifications, additional cleaning supplies)
“Like those across the country, businesses in Normal continue to be heavily impacted because of COVID-19,” said Eric Hanson, Assistant City Manager. “The Town of Normal Small Business Relief Program can provide supplemental assistance to those hit especially hard.”
Eligible businesses must meet several requirements, including the following:
• Have a physical presence/location within the boundaries of the Town of Normal
• 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Be operational as of Jan. 1, 2020
• Show a demonstrated impact/loss of revenue due to COVID-19
• Up-to-date on all state of Illinois tax obligations
To determine eligibility, businesses can use a pre-qualification form at www.normal.org/SBRP. This pre-qualification form outlines all eligibility requirements.
A portal for submitting applications will be available on the town’s website beginning Dec. 1.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]
