Restore Illinois: Phase 4 Information

• Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Phase 4 quick guides.
• Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Phase 4 Specific Industry guides.
• (DCEO) Business Toolkit.

Business Assistance Programs Summary Table

Our Community Development Department has published a helpful table that summarizes various programs that can assist business owners in this time of crisis. Click on the image below for various program pages, FAQ’s, and applications.

Village’s Economic Relief Package

• Small Business Tax Rebate Program – The Wilmette Village Board unanimously approved a $375,000 economic relief package to support small businesses in the Village which have been negatively impacted by the current public health crisis. The program will provide immediate financial support to restaurants, retail stores and other local merchants through a municipal sales tax rebate program. The program aims to provide a rebate that amounts to 50% of annual municipal sales tax receipts for applicable Wilmette businesses.
  • Program Rules
  • Application
  • Email completed applications to wilmettegrantapplication@wilmette.com
• Service Business Assistance Grant Program – The Wilmette Village Board unanimously approved a $156,000 economic relief package to support small service-based businesses which have been negatively impacted by the current public health crisis. The program will provide immediate financial support to various service-based businesses through a grant program. The grant program will rebate half of one percent (0.50%) of a business’s annual revenues, and the grant will be limited to a maximum initial benefit of $1,500.
  • Program Rules
  • Application
  • Email completed applications to wilmettegrantapplication@wilmette.com

How to Support Local Businesses

• Interactive Restaurant Map
• Chamber of Commerce Business Listing

State of Illinois

• The State of Illinois is working to provide emergency assistance program for Illinois small businesses and include Hospitality Emergency Grants, Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, and a Downstate Small Business Stabilization Fund.
  • Resources for Businesses
  • Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans
  • Illinois Department of Revenue – Tax Extension Information
  • State Treasurer’s Small Business Relief Program
  • IDES COVID-19 and Unemployement Benefits FAQ
  • Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)
    • As of 9/21/20: The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. Funding may be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs; rent; utilities; and other operational costs.

Cook County

• Community Recovery Fund: This loan fund offers one-time, zero-interest loans of up to $20,000 for small businesses and up to $10,000 for independent contractors in suburban Cook County. Businesses must be located in suburban Cook County.
  • Application
  • FAQ

Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources for Small Businesses

• After submitting documentation demonstrating the impact of COVID-19 on more than 3,000 businesses across the state, Gov. Pritzker announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state’s eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all 102 counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help offset the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • SBA Disaster Loan Information
    • SBA Webinars on Economic Disaster Recovery Loans
  • SBA Small Business Guidance

Note: This webpage will be updated and revised as necessary. This page was last updated September 21, 2020.