We continue to assemble resources and information for the business community regarding COVID-19. Please visit www.gpcovid.com for a complete list of business resources and send any questions to bizinfo@greaterpeoriaedc.org .

NEW: Please see a new section at the end of this email for active requests for resources to help during this crisis. This section will be repeated until needs are met. Please send needs to bizinfo@greaterpeoriaedc.org . 

Great American Takeout
Tuesday, March 24 is The Great American Takeout where individuals pledge to order takeout food from a local restaurant for at least one meal. People are asked to tag social media posts with #thegreatamericantakeout. More info here . Reading this email on Wednesday? That is a good day for takeout, too. Here is a list of open restaurants compiled by local organizations: Enjoy Peoria , Peoria Chamber , Pekin Chamber , East Peoria Chamber , Washington Chamber , Morton Chamber .
 
More Illinois SBA Webinars Scheduled
Illinois SBA has scheduled more webinars to help explain the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Topics include eligibility, use of funds, and application process. Bradley’s SBDC is also putting together its own webinar to be held later this week but is a resource for potential applicants now. Their website is here. To register for the Illinois SBA webinars, click on the time that works for you (free, but registration required and “seats” fill fast):
 
Commerce Bank Information on Avoiding Fraud and Emergency Considerations
Commerce Bank has put together two informational bulletins: 
  • Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus Fraud can be found here.
  • Financial considerations for the coronavirus and other emergencies can be found here.
 
‘Bridge’ loans for Illinois businesses available as soon as this week, treasurer's office says
From KWQC: Illinois small businesses can tap into $250 million in low-interest bridge loans as soon as this week to help push through the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said Monday. The state treasurer’s office will make $250 million available to Illinois banks and credit unions that wish to participate. The financial institutions will determine who is eligible for the loans. More here .  
 
RESOURCE REQUESTS
Community Foundation of Central Illinois: Requesting monetary donations for the Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund. Information https://communityfoundationci.org/. Inserted from Morton Chamber & EDC: The Morton Community Foundation is also accepting donations for the Morton Area Disaster Relief Fund. There is a $10,000 matching donor. Info 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.