The Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, offered by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provides economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19.
We strongly recommend that all interested small businesses apply as soon as possible- the application period for the BIG program will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
The State of Illinois anticipates that it will award the remainder of the $270 million in funds through this program in the coming weeks. DCEO will continue to follow the funding priorities outlined under the program including reaching heavily impacted industries, businesses located in a disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) and downstate communities, and small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less and/or businesses that have not received other forms of emergency assistance like PPP.
BIG was created in response to the unprecedented burdens COVID-19 has placed on small businesses around the state. BIG grants, leveraging federal CARES Act dollars, provide grants tailored to business losses, with amounts ranging between $5,000-$150,000. The average grant provided to date is $25,000. Grant funds may be used toward operational expenses, including PPE, rent and utilities, payroll, and more.
For more information on BIG eligibility, how to receive assistance with submitting your application, and to apply, please visit DCEO’s program website.
If you have any questions while filling out the application – please submit at one of these links: English or Spanish.
More information on the Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG):
· Business Interruption Grants Program Home Page
· Business Certification Form and Eligible Cost List
· Guidance for BIG Awards and Other Federal Support Such as PPP and EIDL (Non-Duplication of Benefits)