SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Survey
The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois are working to identify businesses that have been or will be potentially impacted by COVID-19. It is imperative that the State is able to quantify the impact on small businesses in order to release the SBA assistance through the Disaster Loan program.
The State of Illinois has created a portal to gather information using this link: https://form.jotform.com/200717156003039
For more information please visit the SBA website or contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email [email protected]
BACP Guidance for Restaurants & Bars
The City of Chicago Dept of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued a press release with updated guidelines for Restaurants & Taverns beginning March 16, 9pm through March 30th. Important notes:
- Drive-thru, delivery and carry out or curbside pick-up may continue, with the restaurant owner responsible to ensure social distancing policies are in place and followed.
- Customers may enter restaurants to order food and immediately leave upon receiving the food. BACP has put together an FAQ document with answers to the many questions facing business owners and consumers.
- Coffee shops & cafes are included in the restaurant and bar closure order.
The BACP has also issued a survey to gather feedback in order to develop resources and measures to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Kiva Loans
Kiva is a community based non-profit lender and is accepting Small Business Assistance loan applications.
Grubhub Economic Relief for Restaurants
In collaboration with Mayor Lightfoot, Grubhub recently announced it is temporarily suspending collection of up to $100 million in commission payments from COVID-19 impacted independent restaurants nationwide.
Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
Reminder that the City of Chicago Paid Sick Leave Ordinance mandates that all Chicago businesses provide paid sick leave to employees. See this Guide for helpful information about this ordinance.
- Any employee who works at least 80 hours for an employer in Chicago within any 120-day period is covered by the ordinance and is eligible for paid sick leave.
- Employees begin to accrue paid sick leave on the first calendar day after they begin their employment. For every 40 hours worked, employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave.
- Employers with paid time off policies that meet or exceed the paid sick leave requirements are not required to provide additional paid sick leave.
- This Notice must be displayed in a conspicuous place at the place of employment and provided with each covered employee’s first paycheck.
More information is at the City of Chicago website here.
COVID-19 & Unemployment Benefits
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)
Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible.
Click here for more information. Click here to file a claim; you must mark the checkbox at the bottom to reveal the link to the application.
Emergency Rent Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance – City of Chicago
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, directly related to the prevention of homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit. If you are experiencing a temporary loss of income due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to apply.
Click here for more information.
Healthcare
ABE – Application for Benefits Eligibility (Medicaid)
You may be eligible for Medicaid assistance if you are impacted by COVID-19. To get help with income, food stamps, health care, and other necessities, use the ABE “Am I Eligible” screening tool. The screening tool is completely private. Nothing you enter on the tool will be submitted to the state. The only way to know for sure what benefits you can get is to complete a full application. Go to “Apply for Benefits” if you are ready to start an application.
Click here for more information.
General COVID-19 Information
The City’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) will frequently update their Coronavirus website. Information can also be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website or by calling the IDPH hotline at 1-800-889-3931. Please take time to note specific recommendations from the CDPH if you are traveling to and from countries with specific Travel Alerts.
Please also take time to review applicable recommendations and fact sheets from the Chicago Department of Public Health:
- Get the Facts: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- COVID-19: Preparedness Checklist for Individuals and Households
- Guidance for People at Higher Risk
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Guidance for Community- and Faith-based Organizations
- Guidance for Childcare Programs
- Guidance for Schools and Institutions of Higher Education
- Recommendations for Large Gatherings and Events
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) you can:
- Review information for travelers and search COVID-19 risk assessment by country.
- Review information for pregnant women.
- Review guidance for healthcare professionals.
- Review guidance and information for first responders and law enforcement.
Presidential & CDC Guidelines
The POTUS and CDC have issued a new 15 Days to Slow the Spread guide.
