Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Industry issued the following announcement on Nov. 30.
Small Business Transformation Grant Program
McHenry County Planning & Development has announced the availability of $350,000 through CDBG/HUD COVID-19 funding for direct grants to eligible small businesses throughout McHenry County. The application period will open Tuesday, December 1, 2020 and close on Thursday, December 31, 2020.
Grants of $15,000 to $50,000 will be offered to facilitate business transformations directly necessitated by the pandemic experience. Examples include: expanding e-commerce; developing new industries or markets; rehabbing space or purchasing additional equipment. Funds should be available in March/April 2021.
Eligibility criteria include: brick and mortar businesses, in existence a minimum of 2 years, with 5-49 employees, and located in low-moderate income areas, which includes most of Woodstock. Preference will be given to Accommodation and Food Service, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation businesses that are not: chains/franchises; private clubs; government owned; or non-profits. Additional restrictions apply and a heavy response is anticipated that may necessitate a lottery approach to initial review of applications.
Application is required via an on-line portal and staff will not be available to guide applicants. Participation in one of the virtual application workshops is therefore strongly encouraged as shown:
Key Dates and Times:
• Application Window – Tuesday, December 1, 2020 starting at 12:00 PM CST through Thursday, December 31, 2020 ending at 12:00 PM CST (www.mchenrycountyil.gov/cd)
• Open Meeting #1 – Wednesday, December 02, 2020 at 2:00pm (Virtual) o https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/334508765 United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 334-508-765
• Open Meeting #2 – Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 4:30pm (Virtual) o https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/334508765 United States: +1 (872) 240-3412 Access Code: 334-508-765
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/334508765
Contact:
Terry Willcockson, Grants/Communications Manager
twillcockson@woodstockil.gov, (815) 338-4300 x11128
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up