McHenry Times

McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Dec. 21.

McHenry County small businesses who are experiencing financial hardship due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and who are in the accommodation, food services, arts, entertainment, or recreation sectors, can apply for $15,000 grants from McHenry County government. Businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, while funds are available. The application deadline is Dec. 31 or when funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently awarded additional Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to local governments to allocate to local small businesses. McHenry County applied for and received $665,550 in funds to cover the costs of 54 previously issued grants and will provide 31 new grants at $15,000 each, totaling $465,000. The County will award the funds based on specified criteria and funding availability. The County has already allocated nearly $1 million in business assistance this year, and these new funds will bring the total to more than $1.5 million.

“As a long-time small business owner, I have a strong personal connection to our business community. This assistance may provide a lifeline to the many businesses struggling to survive because of the pandemic,” McHenry County Board Chairman Mike Buehler said. “I also urge McHenry County residents to please take the pledge to give the gift of local this holiday season. Our businesses are an integral part of our community’s extraordinary fabric and they need our help now more than ever.”

Jim McConoughey, President, McHenry County EDC said, “This is great news for our local businesses who have been hit hard this year, and an encouraging boost for our local economy. Local businesses should not delay and apply for these funds as they are subject to availability.”

As part of the requirements, business can request reimbursement for costs (not otherwise reimbursed) and must demonstrate at least $25,000 in lost revenue from between March and the end of August, as compared to the same time period last year. The businesses must have between two and 25 employees. Businesses are encouraged to visit the County’s Community Development Division of the Department webpage for the funding notice, as well as details on the application process. Applicants will need to set up an account in Neighborly, which is the County’s online portal used for economic development grant applications. Any inquiries regarding the program can be made by emailing McHenryCountyComDev@mchenrycountyil.gov.

To help support local businesses, the County also recently launched a Shop McHenry County campaign and is providing resources to businesses on the Resume McHenry County website (ResumeMcHenryCounty.com) and encouraging residents to take a personal pledge to shop and eat local. They can also show their support on social media using the hashtag #ShopMcHenryCounty and tag their favorite local store or restaurant. Visit ResumeMcHenryCounty.com for more information.

Original source can be found here.