Update- June 11, 2021: Under the Restore Illinois framework for Phase 5, all business types are allowed to operate at full capacity since the pandemic. DCEO and IDPH are recommending key steps business owners and venues should follow to promote COVID-19 safety going forward. Click here for the Phase 5 guidance.

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Governor JB Pritzker released industry-specific guidelines that allow for the safe re-opening of businesses as the state progresses into the next phase of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions of the state are on track to advance to Phase 3 of the plan in the coming days, allowing thousands of residents to return to work, and the reopening of businesses in the following industries: retail, offices, manufacturing, barbershops and salons, summer programs, various outdoor recreation activities and bars and restaurants for outdoor dining. View here: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/pages/restoreILP3.aspx

The Illinois Governor has issued a ‘Stay at Home’ order that will go into effect today (Saturday, March 21) until Tuesday, April 7th. So what does this mean for our businesses and our local residents? Please see the video of the governor’s press conference here: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/coronavirus/Videos/Pages/20200320.aspx.

Please also see the governor’s order and an FAQ sheet to help our residents and businesses understand what it means for our daily lives, effective 5:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21 through Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Hospitality Emergency Grant Program

https://us.accion.org/news/covid-19-hospitality-business-grant-program/
DCEO's grant for bars, restaurants, and hotels to help support working capital, job training, retraining, and technology to support shifts in operations, like increased pick-up and delivery.

 Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/IllinoisSmallBusinessEmergencyLoanFund.aspx
DCEO and IDFPR's program to offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000.

 SBA Disaster Assistance Programs

https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
Information on Disaster Loan Assistance Program and guidance for small businesses regarding COVID-19.

 Illinois Small Business Development Centers

https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Disease-2019-%28COVID-19%29-Information-for-Small-Business.aspx
Resource for those seeking assistance with SBA application, includes webinars, application forms, and FAQs.

 DCEO Covid-19 Impact Survey

https://form.jotform.com/200717156003039?fbclid=IwAR1pI0ckHjVO0oIIrXVF5psT1qpFIeojcW6WhT9SMfzgu7qV4j7clcASGQE
Participate in this survey to help DCEO evaluate specific areas of need.

 ILSBDC: Small Business Survival Guide

http://dept.clcillinois.edu/wpdi/SBDC/SmallBusinessSurvivalGuide.pdf
Resources for businesses in Lake County including utilities, securing operational capital and local leaders.

 IDPH: Illinois COVID-19 Information

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus

Up-to-the-minute public health information on the Covid-19.