Newsletters
Safe Reopening Plan Guidance
Reemergence
Communications
Communication with Tenants
2021
Letter to our merchants on July 28th
On July 28th, we sent a letter to all of our merchants in Ventura County sharing information for the county sponsored fourth Business Assistance Grant Program and how eligible businesses could apply for a $10,000 grant.
Letter to our merchants on July 16th
On July 16th, we sent a letter to our merchants sharing the change from the LA County Health Department reinstating the mask mandate for everyone indoors regardless of whether or not you are vaccinated to start midnight on July 17th.
Letter to our merchants on June 15th
On June 15th, we sent a letter to our California merchants announcing the end of the Tier System and almost all restrictions and moving Beyond the Blueprint with information regarding the updated guidelines along with updates to the mask policy per CDC guidelines.
Letter to our merchants on May 10th
On May 10th, we sent a letter to our merchants with info on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) that targets the food industry to provide support and reminded our tenants that the deadline for PPP Round 2 is the end of this month on May 31st as well as sending out a link to loan and grant programs we compiled and sorted by region on our corporate website.
Letter to our merchants on May 7th
On May 7th, we sent an email out to our merchants letting them know that LA County was granted movement to the Yellow Tier for operations and that the LA County Health Department modified those operations from the State guidelines and allowed businesses to begin operating in the modified Yellow Tier on Thursday, May 6th. More information on those guidelines and the reduced restrictions were sent out with details for each category type.
Letter to our merchants on Apr 26th
On April 26th, we sent a letter to our tenants from our CEO Sandy Sigal emphasizing our message that we don’t often get a second chance to make a first impression, but now is that time as our businesses reopen and more customers are coming back to our property. Now is the time to build on the new customers we made served during the pandemic and we shared information on how we can continue to build on that momentum to bring a high level of customer service to all our customers as outlined in our “Exceeding Expectations” document.
Letter to our merchants on Apr 6th
On April 6th, we sent a notice to our tenants that more California counties have progressed to the less restrictive orange tier earlier this week, including San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, Riverside, Tulare and Santa Barbara.
Letter to our merchants on Apr 2nd
On April 2nd, we sent a letter to our merchants informing them that the Paycheck Protection Program deadline of March 31st has been postponed to May 31st which means there is more time to get your PPP Round 2 application in, but not to wait as the money may be gone before the new extended deadline.
Letter to our merchants on Apr 1st
On April 1st, we sent a letter to our merchants updating them on Los Angeles and Orange Counties moving to the Orange Tier, a less restrictive tier that allows for more businesses to open at greater capacities, as well as vaccine information for all of our California shopping centers.
Letter to our merchants on Mar 23rd
On March 23rd, we sent a reminder notice to our tenants that the deadline to apply for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program is March 31st and coming up soon, as well as sharing vaccine information for all of the counties our shopping centers are located in across our portfolio.
Letter to our merchants on Mar 13th
On March 13th, we sent an update to our CA tenants regarding the state updating the requirement thresholds for the colored opening tiers based on the number of specific vaccines administered across the state which means Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties will move to the red tier as of Monday, March 15th as well as sharing county specific vaccine administration information.
Letter to our merchants on Mar 10th
On March 10th, we sent a note to our tenants updating them on American Rescue Plan that was going through Congress for approval to provide aid to Americans and businesses, including additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and new grants to restaurants and other food and drinking establishments, as well updates to the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Letter to our merchants on Mar 1st
On March 1st, we sent an update to our tenants with a message from our CEO with details on the Paycheck Protection Program as well as grants and small business assistance available to California tenants, as well updates on the surveys we sent to our customers and their feedback and how to continue to find ways to effectively connect with customers and provide a high level of customer service.
Letter to our community on Mar 1st
On March 1st, we sent a letter to our communities from our CEO Sandy Sigal where he reflected on the last year and how our shopping centers and tenants have worked to do the best they can during the COVID-19 pandemic and how we continue to ask our customers to support our small businesses, to spread the word, and to let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you have a better shopping experience at our properties.
Letter to our merchants on Feb 11th
On February 11th, we sent a message to our Illinois tenants updating them on the progression to Phase 4 that the Illinois Department of Public Health announced last week which now allows gatherings of up to 50 people and additional capacity upgrades for different types of businesses, including our retailers, restaurants, and gyms.
Letter to our merchants on Feb 5th
On February 5th, we sent a letter to our merchants giving them more information on the latest funding options available for their business, such as PPP Round 2 application information, the Small Business Administration (SBA) covering your loan payments for 6 months, and the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grand Program where businesses can qualify for grants up to $25,000.
Letter to our merchants on Jan 27th
On January 27th, we sent an update to our tenants in California as Governor Newsom announced that he was lifting the stay-at-home orders which means our shopping centers would move back to the purple tier allowing hair and nail salons to reopen as well as allowing restaurants to offer outdoor dining options for our customers. More information for each county in CA was shared as well as more additional details regarding the Paycheck Protection Plan.
Letter to our merchants on Jan 14th
On January 14th, we invited our tenants to join us for an exclusive webinar we sponsored with Retail Smart Guys helping tenants figure out how to take the steps to make up for 2020 and set them up for future success in 2021.
Letter to our merchants on Jan 13th
On January 13th, we sent a letter to our merchants sharing additional information released by the SBA for the second round of PPP funding along with additional information and different requirements for first time vs. second time loan applications. We urged our tenants to reach out to their banks to start inquiring about the application process and provided a resource in A10 Capital if they needed help applying and didn’t have a current banking relationship or one that would not accept applications.
Letter to our merchants on Jan 5th
On January 5th, we sent a letter to our merchants urging them to reach out to their banks to inquire about the next round of PPP funding as more information on lending guidelines is shared with the banks and we also shared information on the COVID-19 Relief Grants Program that is available to California small businesses and non-profits which offers grants of $5,000 to $25,000.
2020
Letter to our merchants on Dec 30th
On December 30th, we sent a letter to our merchants updating them on the passage of the newest stimulus package into law by President Trump which means tenants should start working with their banks to prepare their applications for submission for the 2nd round of Paycheck Protection Programs funds. We also shared some trend analysis and future outlook information from Retail Smart Guys.
Letter to our merchants on Dec 22nd
On December 22nd, we updated our tenants with some details on the latest stimulus package recently passed by Congress which includes $284 billion in Payroll Protection Program funds available to small businesses which can turn from a loan into a grant to cover things like payroll, rent, and other operational costs. If you need help with your PPP application, we also shared information on how to get in touch with A10 Capital or visit the COVID-19 section of our website for more information.
Letter to our community on Dec 3rd
On December 3rd, we sent a letter to our communities asking them to help support our small businesses by shopping local, picking up take out from our restaurants, using our designated pick up zones where our retailers can bring your order directly out to your car, explaining the different precautions we are taking to help keep our centers safe when you visit, and how our shopping centers can be your one stop shopping location for all of your needs.
Letter to our merchants on Dec 2nd
On December 2nd, we sent a letter to our tenants outlining several programs available to help tenants in California, including the California Rebuilding Fund, a $500 million COVID Relief Grant, the Tax Relief for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Executive Order, and the Keep LA County Dining program, among other things intended to support small businesses.
Letter to our merchants on Oct 21th
On October 21st, we shared some retail expertise insight from our partner Retail Smart Guys, including things like selling trends they are seeing in different verticals, their vision for holiday and spring, and some Black Friday ideas to safely attract customers and maximize sales.
Letter to our community on Oct 15th
On October 15th, we updated our customers with the latest things we are doing to support our shopping center and our community as well as sharing what our customers can do to help our businesses by reaching out to government representatives to show support for additional stimulus bills as well as reviewing our strong opposition to Prop 15 and the subsequent tax increase if passed that will adversely affect our tenants’ ability to operate their businesses.
Letter to our merchants on Sep 29th
On September 29th, we shared some visitor traffic increases we are seeing at our shopping center across our portfolio as well as the things we are doing to help customers feel comfortable shopping and how we are driving traffic through marketing and technology. We also shared some things we are doing on the government level to push for more funding to support our businesses through the RESTART Act and why we urge you to vote no on Prop 15 in California.
Letter to our community on Aug 18th
On August 18th, we sent a letter to our customers reminding them of the importance the key factors that will help us defeat COVID including social distancing, wearing masks, washing our hands, and avoiding large gatherings. We urged our customers to continue to support our merchants who are working hard to serve them and together we will get through this together.
Letter to our merchants on Aug 11th
On August 11th, we sent a letter to our merchants updating them on outdoor operations from some of our tenants, our continued conversation with government leaders to guide the next small business relief package, and updated survey results from our customers with their current feelings including 92% of our customers agreeing or strongly agreeing that our safety precautions currently in place increase their willingness to shop in our centers.
Letter to our merchants on July 22nd
On July 22nd, we shared an update regarding recent California changes for our merchants and highlighted some outdoor opportunities these retailers could take advantage of to keep operating.
Letter to our merchants on July 9th
On July 9th, we updated our merchant partners with survey feedback from our customers across our portfolio with information like 92% of customers are looking for employees to regularly clean and disinfect high-traffic areas to help them feel comfortable with shopping and dining indoors again.
Letter to our merchants on July 2nd
On July 2nd, we shared some details with our tenants located in specific CA counties affected by Governor Newsom’s recent orders this week to halt indoor operations for all restaurants, family entertainment centers, movie theaters, museums, zoos and card rooms as well as bars for at least three weeks.
Letter to our community on June 30th
On June 30th, we communicated with our community members about how our shopping centers have struggled but now are starting to reemerge with more and more tenants opening up and customers starting to return and how the best way we can protect our communities is to wear face coverings and observe social distancing.
Letter to our merchants on June 19th
On June 19th, we shared some more survey responses from our customers regarding the factors that affect their decision to shop again, with 69% expecting proper social distancing, 66% looking for proper mask usage by staff, and 50% worrying if the virus poses a risk to themselves.
Letter to our merchants on June 5th
On June 5th, we shared some thoughts with our tenants reopening in light of protests around the country and an update on the revision to the PPP loans giving merchants more time to spend the funds and still have it forgiven.
Letter to our merchants on May 28th
On May 28th, we shared some survey results to our merchants from over 115,000 community members and shoppers we reached out to in order to gauge what they were most looking forward to after stay at home restrictions were lessened.
Letter to our community on May 20th
On May 20th, we sent a letter to our neighbors explaining the steps we are taking to enhance their experience when visiting our shopping center as stay at home orders are lessened like adding curbside delivery zones and signage, hand sanitizing stations, health and safety signage and more.
Letter to our merchants on May 8th
On May 8th, we sent a letter to our California tenants with an update on Phase 2 reopening plans from Governor Newsom on new tenant categories available for curbside pickup, as well as some additional resources from the California Department of Health.
Letter to our merchants on May 8th
On May 8th, we sent our tenants a link to our “Lifting Others” feature highlighting some outreach and support NewMark Merrill Companies is focusing on to lift up our tenants, customers, and communities during these challenging times.
Letter to our merchants on May 4th
On May 4th, we shared a financial resource, A10 Capital, with our tenants to help them with the loan application process to take advantage of the remaining funds from the second round of the Payment Protection Program.
Letter to our merchants on April 29th
On April 29th, we sent out a list of immediate actions our merchants can start taking now to prepare their stores for when stay at home orders start getting lifted in our communities, like hiring support, signage inside and outside your store, and reopening supplies like masks, hand sanitizers, and POS shields.
Letter to our merchants on April 24th
On April 24th, we communicated with our tenants to share the passing of the most recent coronavirus relief bill and provide resources and referrals to help with the loan application processes.
Letter to our merchants on April 20th
On April 20th, we sent a message to all of our tenants sharing how we are starting to think about reopening plans and what that looks like for our shopping centers and tenants in the near future. We also shared the latest updates on some financial programs to assist our merchants including a new program recently announced from the US Chamber of Commerce.
Letter to our community on April 13th
We communicated with customers at all of our shopping centers on April 13th thanking them for their continued support of our essential businesses and restaurants.
Letter to our merchants on April 9th
On April 9th, we sent an update regarding the COVID-19 emergency dedicated to our communities, our tenants and our customers. A retail consulting firm, Retail Smart Guys, is working with us to help retailers understand the new programs and assist with the application process. Below you will find two video presentations with more information.
Letter to our merchants on March 31st
On March 31st, we sent out further explanation of the CARES Act to our tenants including the application and worksheets to apply for the loan. The applications can be submitted starting Friday, April 3rd and the funds will go fast so get your application in as soon as possible.
Letter to our merchants on March 29th
On March 29th, we sent information to all of our tenants about the CARES Act and how the government can loan them money to support their businesses, some of which can be forgiven.
Letter to our community on March 20th
We communicated with customers at all of our shopping centers on March 20th with information on how they can visit the essential businesses still open at our shopping centers.
Letter to our merchants on March 20th
Initial correspondence to our tenants on March 20th explaining our plan to support our tenants and communities by keeping our shopping centers open and clean and details on how to take advantage of the low interest SBA loans for small businesses.
Small Business Support & Resources
2021
Updated Guidelines, FAQ and Revised Regulations about Covid -19
Effective June 17th 2021
Second COVID-19 Business Assistance
Ventura County
Blueprint for a Safer Economy
Check your County Status
Guide to the Cares Act
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
Additional Information About This Relief
Paycheck Protection Program Information
Paycheck Protection Program – Overview
PPP Borrower Information Sheet
PPP Round 2 Information
The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act
A10 Capital PPP Inquiry Form
https://www.tfaforms.com/4874459
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant
https://careliefgrant.com/
COVID-19 Information
Los Angeles County
San Diego County
Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program Information
PPP Relief Options
PPP Round 2
First Draw Loan Information
Second Draw Loan Information
2020
Blueprint for a Safer Economy – California
https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/
Guide to the CARES Act
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
Paycheck Protection Program Information
Paycheck Protection Program – Overview
PPP Borrower Information Sheet
Some helpful worksheets
Loan Calculation Worksheet
Forgiveness Worksheet
Comparison – Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
CARES Act – SBA EIDL PPP Comparison
Need help to Apply for SBA Disaster Loan? Check these resources
SBA Disaster Relief How-to Apply
How to fill out application video
SBA Guide to Find the Right Loan
Disaster Assistance
Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook Small Business Grants Program Link
US Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Loan Guidance
www.uschamber.com/sbloansLifthing Others
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
National Restaurant Association – Reopening Guidance
A Guide for the Restaurant Industry
PPP Loans Round 2.0: Simple Walkthrough for First and Second Time Borrowers
Retails Smart Guys and Newmark Merrill Companies, Inc.: How to Make 2021 Make Up for 2020
Reopening Your Store after Covid-19: The Things You Are Not Yet Thinking About!
SBA Loans Video
Survival Strategies Video
Latest updates on the Stimulus Package
Grant & Loan Programs
National
- American Rescue Plan Act
- On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries.
Small Business Administration (SBA) | 800-659-2955 | The SBA is administering the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act programs to offer new programs and supplement the relief already provided by the 2020 CARES Act, which offers business assistance to impacted businesses and provides guidance for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. For questions on any of the programs offered by SBA, you can contact the SBA San Diego District Office at 619-557-7250.
- On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries.
- COVID 19 Relief Options
- COVID 19 Press Release
- “The American Rescue Plan Act enables the SBA to continue to lift up the cornerstones of our communities; the mom-and-pop businesses and nonprofits that provide essential services for our everyday lives, hire from within neighborhoods, and more. Our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses are the economic engine of this country and, in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on equitable treatment, the SBA will work tirelessly to ensure eligible borrowers will get access to this critical economic relief.”
- PPP
- The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program
- The U.S. Congress created the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The SBA was provided $15 billion for grants under the program. Grants may be awarded to operators of various types of live venues, museums, and movie theaters who have experienced at least a 25 percent reduction in revenues because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- COVID-19 Targeted EIDL Advance
- Signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency. Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants located in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.
- The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
- Features a loan guarantee program designed to assist small businesses that experience capital access barriers. The Small Business Loan Guarantee program encourages lenders to provide funds to small businesses to help them grow and prosper.
- NEW! Restaurant Revitalization Fund
- The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act allocated $28.6 billion for these industry-focused grants.
California
- CA Small Business COVID 19 Relief Program
- Round 6: Date to be announced soon. Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and/or nonprofits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria. Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000 Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 5 do not need to re-apply and will be automatically moved into Round 6. New applicants will need to apply on the website.
- Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
- Small Business COVID-19 Relief and Resources Guide
- Detailed requirements and guidelines for eligibility, submission, and approval of renewal fee waiver.
- The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund provides grants of up to $3,500 and a year of support services to restaurants in 8 CA Counties. This grant application will open Sunday, April 11.
- CA State Assembly
- In addition to federal and state programs, many local governments are developing local grant and loan programs to support small businesses in their community.
- California Rebuilding Fund
- The California Rebuilding Fund is a loan program to support California’s small businesses, especially those located in economically disadvantaged and historically under-banked areas of the state. Businesses with 50 full time employees (FTEs) or fewer and gross revenues of less than $2.5 million in 2019 are eligible to apply. A description of the loan terms are in the Loan Terms tab. Full eligibility requirements are included in the Business Requirements tab.
- Kern Recovers Program
- A forgivable loan program, provides $25 million in forgivable loans of up to $75,000 each to local small businesses like restaurants, gyms, and salons to directly mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19.
- LA Regional Covid Fund and Relief Grant Program
- Round 6: Wednesday, April 28th at 9:00 AM through Tuesday, May 4th at 5:00 PM Notifications will begin Friday, May 7th Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and/or nonprofits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria. Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000 Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 5 do not need to re-apply and will be automatically moved into Round 6. New applicants will need to apply on this website.
- LA Chamber of Commerce
- As the region adjusts to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19), the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing the resources and information necessary to address the needs of our business community during this unprecedented time.
- Facebook
- Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and many of you who run these businesses are heavily affected by the crisis. That is why Facebook announced a $40 million grant program for the United States to help the communities where our employees live and work. This includes Los Angeles where we are investing $1.5 million to help local small businesses.
- LA County Sanitation District
- COVID-19 Rebate Program The Sanitation Districts have created a rebate program to aid businesses facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. This program provides a simplified way for commercial users/properties with reduced wastewater discharges to potentially receive a reduction in their wastewater service charge for the period of March 20 to June 30, 2020.
- Orange County Small Business Relief Program
- Unincorporated Grants will allow eligible businesses to receive up to $10,000 in grant funds. This funding is intended to help local small businesses mitigate economic losses resulting from COVID-19, sustain workforce levels, and promote economic recovery from pandemic-related matters.
- Riverside Microenterprise Business Grant Program
- The Microenterprise Business Grant Program is a United Way Inland Valleys project in partnership with the City of Riverside Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, that offers a ONE-TIME GRANT UP TO $7,500to help assist Riverside small businesses with their needs during the local emergency.
- San Bernardino County COVID-Complaint Business Partnership Program
- This program will support our local small businesses by reimbursing and/or offsetting costs and impacts directly related to complying with COVID-19 related business protocols and providing support to all eligible County businesses who apply for the program. The total funding available for this program is $30,000,000 for eligible businesses.
- San Diego Business Relief and Support and Cares Act
- Provides economic assistance to City of San Diego or City of Chula Vista businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loans, which range from $25,000-$95,000, are intended to help entrepreneurs adapt their business models to operating under pandemic restrictions, to promote economic resiliency, and to support the retention or creation of jobs. Learn more.
- Santa Barbara County
- The Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, and Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide collaborative with members of the Foundation Roundtable to provide assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively engaged in assistance efforts for members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic..
- City of Tulare Small Business COVID Relief Fund
- Tulare County provides support to small businesses in the form of grants up to $5,000 for reimbursement of eligible COVID-19 operating expenses and to cover future expenses related to implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures within the business.
- Ventura County Second Covid-19 Business Assistance Grants Program
- $5000 Grants Available for Eligible Business and Nonprofits The County of Ventura is launching a second COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program to assist business and nonprofit organizations that did not receive a grant during the County’s first program in 2020. Qualified business and nonprofit organizations may receive a $5,000 grant.
Colorado
- Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
- Covid-19 Business and Nonprofit Resources
- Colorado Small Business Relief Program
- Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB20B-001 on Monday, December 7, 2020. The bill provides $57 million in direct aid, grants, and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses and also creates grant programs and allocates funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority-owned businesses.
- Business Relief Programs
- Energize Colorado Gap Fund
- The Energize Colorado Gap Fund is comprised of money from a variety of public and private sources, including money the state received under the CARES Act. The program distributes grants and loans to small businesses across the state.
- Arvada Emergency Business Recovery Initiative
- City Brings Total COVID-19 Business Recovery Grant Funding to $4.3 Million. The City of Arvada announced the continued support for the local business community and continued recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through a second round of business recovery funding. An additional $1.5 million in funding became available.
- City of Broomfield 2021 Small Business Relief (SBR) Grants
- Enhance Broomfield
- Enhance Broomfield is offering grant support of up to $7,500 to eligible Broomfield businesses to support your efforts to help your business sustain by meeting customer needs and market conditions during our collective responses to the COVID-19 virus. Businesses must be located within the City and County of Broomfield and must have no less than 2 full-time equivalent employees, of which one must be a non-related person and no more than 25 employees. In addition, businesses may have up to three locations – of which one must be operating in Broomfield. (Please note, home-based businesses may be considered with an understanding of the employment impact and business operational costs.)
Illinois
- Illinois Dept of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Loans and Financing
- ADME – Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship is an investment program developed to strengthen Illinois’ start-up and small business community by tapping into the potential of minority entrepreneurs. Advantage Illinois – provides Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital to start new companies and expand existing business. Comprised of programs to spur institutional lending, includes Capital Access Program and Participation Loan Program.
- Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund
- Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, DCEO and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) established the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000 for working capital, with at least 50% of loans proceeds to be applied toward payroll or other eligible compensation including salaries, wages, tips, paid leave, and group healthcare benefits.
- Hospitality Emergency Grant Program
- Under the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, DCEO launched the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program to help hospitality businesses make ends meet in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana, the Department awarded $14 million in small grants to over 700 small bars, restaurants, caterers, and hotels. The grants are used to support working capital, like payroll and rent, job training, and technology to support shifts in operations including increased use of carry out and delivery.
- Chicago, The Streamlined-TIF program
- Provides expedited access to valuable grants for the improvement of industrial, commercial, retail, or residential mixed-use properties in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts citywide. The program incorporates an easy-to-use application form and efficient approval process to pay up to 25 percent of renovation, expansion, or redevelopment costs. Assistance ranges from $25,000 to $1,000,000.
- Small Business Improvement Fund
- The SBIF program helps owners of commercial, industrial, and mixed use properties within specific TIF districts repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Program participants can receive grants of 25-50-75%, depending on the size of the business, to cover the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant amount up to $150,000. The grant does not have to be repaid. Grants are provided to property owners after work is completed and bills are paid.
- Microbusiness Recovery Grant Program
- This program will distribute $5,000 grants to up to 1,000 businesses with four or fewer employees in low- and moderate-income areas of the city that have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and could most benefit from a grant.