Stay-at-Home Extension and Other COVID-19 Updates from the GP Region #17

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 .

Gov. Pritzker Extends Stay At Home Order Until April 30

At today’s press conference, Gov. Pritzker announced that his stay-at-home order would now be in effect through April 30. More information from the Peoria Journal Star here .

REMINDER: Illinois Hospitality Emergency Grant Application Due TOMORROW at 5 PM

The State of Illinois is offering grants of up to $50,000 for hotels and up to $25,000 for bars and restaurants. Applicants will be chosen via a lottery, not based on merit. The application is very simple, but only those who have completed an application by April 1 at 5 p.m. will be entered. Decisions announced on April 4. An FAQ on the program, including a description of the information you will need, can be found here . More information and the application portal can be found here .

Small Business Exemptions for the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion

The Department of Labor issued guidance for employers with fewer than 50 employees which may be exempt from providing sick and expanded medical leave. See questions #58 & #59 in this FAQ .

New: Details released on Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund

The state released details of its Emergency Loan Fund which will offer businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $3 million in gross annual revenue a 5-year, 3% loan of up to $50,000. Principal and interest payments are deferred for the first six months. Loan funds must be used for working capital, and at least 50% of loan proceeds must be applied toward payroll or other eligible compensation, with a commitment to hire or retain at least 50% of a business workforce for six months. More information here .

Help for Consumers and Guidance for the Financial Sector

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced a series of actions to ensure the protection of Illinoisans in many areas of consumer borrowing, servicing, and collections. The Department also provided Guidance to its regulated entities, state banks, credit unions, installment lenders, payday lenders, title loan lenders, sales finance lenders including auto loans, currency exchanges, student loan servicers, mortgage servicers, and collection agencies concerning their lending, servicing, and collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here .

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

The National Restaurant Association, thanks in part to a donation from Guy Fieri , has created the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund. Laid off restaurant employees who have worked at least 90 days part- or full-time in a restaurant in the past year can apply for a one time $500 payment. Applications open starting April 2. More information here .

RESOURCE REQUESTS

NEW - Heartland Health Services: Seeking personal protective equipment, medical supplies, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes unopened. More information here .

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 .

Chris Setti

Chief Executive Officer

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council