Reminders: All previous bulletins and other resources listed at
www.gpcovid.com
. Resource requests from our community institutions listed at the end of this bulletin. Send any questions to
bizinfo@greaterpeoriaedc.org
.
Downstate Business Stabilization Program Application Portal Open
Small businesses in Greater Peoria who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $25,000 through Illinois’ Downstate Business Stabilization Program. The program is aimed at businesses with 50 or less employees that have been in operation, with the current ownership, since at least January 1, 2017. Due to the nature of the funding behind this program, businesses in the cities of Peoria and Pekin are ineligible. Businesses located in Peoria, Woodford and Mason counties have until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10 to submit their completed applications. Tazewell county businesses have until 5 p.m. on Monday, April 13. More information, including a link to the application portal, can be found at
www.gpcovid.com
.
SBA Webinars on Federal Assistance
SBA Illinois is hosting a series of webinars that outline federal programs targeted at helping small businesses. Topics include the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan, amon others. Click on the date and time that meets your needs to register:
Update on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The United States Department of Labor has now issued its fourth set of Questions & Answers to help employers navigate the complexities of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Click
here
to read through the list of most commonly asked questions because there are some significant interpretations.
US Chamber of Commerce Guide for Coronavirus Paid Leave
The US Chamber of Commerce has put together a comprehensive guide for employers to better understand the paid leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Access it
here
.
IRS Information on Refundable Tax Credits
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCRA") provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19. Read more
here
.
Illinois Department of Public Health Guidance on Wearing Masks
IDPH issued guidance on where and when citizens should wear masks during this crisis. Read the guidance
here
.
RESOURCE REQUESTS
- Community Foundation of Central Illinois: Requesting monetary donations for the Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund. Information https://communityfoundationci.org/. Morton Chamber & EDC addition: The Morton Community Foundation has also announced a Morton Area Disaster Relief Fund for organizations serving those affected by COVID-19. Donations are being matched to up to $10,000. Donate here.
- UnityPoint Health: UnityPoint is seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. They are als in search of medical personnel to help them prepare in the event that there is an influx of sick patients. Information here.
- OSF Healthcare: OSF seeking personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other supplies. Information here.
- Peoria Innovation Alliance: PIA is gathering the maker community to discuss ways individuals and small companies can make supplies like masks. Information here.
- Heartland Health Services: Seeking personal protective equipment, medical supplies, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes unopened. More information here.
- Morton Chamber & EDC addition: Community Harvest and Midwest Food Bank are soliciting monetary donations to help support the influx of requests for food. To Visit their sites for more info.
Chris Setti
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council