COVID-19: Business Information & Resources
We continue to assemble resources and information regarding COVID-19. We are working to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. Please visit http://www.cusbdc.org/covid-19-business-information-resources/ for a complete list of business & community resources and send any questions to info@cusbdc.org .

View all of our upcoming webinars here .
Paycheck Protection Program
The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 9:30 AM CST.

Download a list of Illinois lenders here .

Contact a lender ASAP to apply. There is a high demand for this program and the funds won't last long.

Program Overview
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

Program Documents

How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. See above link to search for a lender or use the SBA's Find Your Lender tool .

Who Can Apply
  • Any small business that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry based sized standard or the alternative size standard)
  • Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, or Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of:
  • 500 employees, or
  • that meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500
  • Any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location
  • Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons

To learn more about the program, including loan details and forgiveness, as well as forms and guidance, visit the SBA website and/or attend an upcoming webinar (schedule below).
Upcoming Webinars




Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to COVID-19.

Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online here .
We're Here to Help
If you have a question and/or are in need of resources, please contact us:

  • Carly McCrory-McKay, Executive Director - Champaign County EDC
  • carly@champaigncountyedc.org / 217-649-2586
  • Jordan Landeck, Marketing & Events Director - Champaign County EDC
  • jordan@champaigncountyedc.org
  • Don Elmore, Director - Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
  • don@cusbdc.org
  • Mariel Huasanga, International Trade Center Director - Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
  • mariel@cusbdc.org

Need one-on-one assistance? Our services are free & confidential. Email info@cusbdc.org to schedule a phone or Zoom appointment with one of our trusted advisors. Assistance is also available in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese.