Resources for our Bensenville Business Community

The Village of Bensenville is committed to continuing to support our business community during this time. Below is a list of programs and information to use as a resource related to COVID-19. For additional information, please contact our Community and Economic Development team at 630-350-3413.

 Financial Assistance

• Reinvest DuPage, Small Business Relief Grant Program

            The DuPage County Board authorized $2.5 million in additional funds for a new phase of the DuPage County Small Business Grant Relief Program designated for Restaurants and Food Establishments in DuPage County. Under this new phase, restaurants and food service establishments in DuPage who have less than $4 million in annual gross revenue and meet the criteria and qualifications, will be eligible to apply for COVID-19 relief funds up to $15,000 to cover business and operational expenses. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis here. 

• IRAEF Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is a program of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF). This fund provides one-time grants of $500 to support restaurant employees facing an unforeseen hardship due to COVID-19. Grants will help to cover basic living expenses such as rent, food, and utilities. Apply here.

• Illinois Business Interruption Grants Program (BIG)

           The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program 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.

• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.

• Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

  Under the leadership of Governor J. B. Pritzker, DCEO is working with partners to launch emergency assistance programs for Illinois small businesses.

• U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

  Comprehensive list of resources including information on the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance, SBA Debt Relief, and SBA Express Bridge Loans.

• State Treasurer Announces Bridge Loan Program

  Through this program, the Treasurer’s Office partners with approved financial institutions to provide loans -- either lower rate loans, or loans to a business or non-profit that would not otherwise qualify -- to Illinois small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Illinois Department of Revenue Relief from Sales Tax

  Short-Term Relief from Penalties for Late Sales Tax Payments for Eating and Drinking Establishments.

• LISC

  LISC currently has funding up to $10,000 for small businesses. (The next round of applications will open May 14th.)
  

• Main Street Lending Program

  This was one of the final components of the CARES Act. The Federal Reserve Board is still working on the details of the program. We will update when information becomes available. Program highlights include:

  • $600 billion for lending
  • Small and — unlike SBA’s programs — medium-sized businesses are eligible
  • Defined as up to 10,000 employees or up to $2.5 billion in revenue in 2019.

How can your organization help?

• Giving DuPage

Other Resources and Guidance

• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• Illinois Department of Public Health Business and Organization Guidance
• Illinois COVID-19 Response Business FAQ’s
• U. S. Chamber of Commerce
• Choose DuPage
• WorkNet DuPage
• Cook County’s Resources and Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)