Updated Guidance for Self-Employed (“1099 Workers”) Filing for Unemployment Benefits
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) released new instructions for 1099 workers who have lost work due to COVID-19. Workers who believe they may be eligible for new federal benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program,
must first apply for regular unemployment insurance
before applying for benefits under PUA when a new application portal opens on May 11, 2020 via the IDES website. If claimants receive an eligibility determination of $0, they can then appeal that decision by providing verification of wages earned, or they can submit a claim for PUA benefits. Claimants who have already applied for and been denied regular unemployment benefits can submit a claim through the new PUA portal when it opens.
Receiving a denial for regular unemployment benefits is a mandatory first step in determining eligibility for PUA.
More
here
.
City of Pekin Business Grants Round 2
The City of Pekin opened a second round of its small business grant program on May 6. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on May 13. For-profit businesses with a physical location within the City of Pekin and with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue are eligible. The City will award grants of $5,000 to businesses that have W2 employees and $2,000 to self-employed individuals or businesses without W2 employees. More information
here
. In the first round, Pekin
awarded
$363,000 in grants to 91 different businesses.
Village of Peoria Heights Business Grants Now Accepted
The Village of Peoria Heights announced the availability of $330,000 for two business assistance grant programs. The “Peoria Heights Business Development District Commercial Lease Grant Program” and the “Peoria Heights COVID-19 Emergency Mortgage Subsidy Grant Program” will each offer applicants up to $1,500 toward lease or mortgage payments. Grant funds are being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses impacted by COVID-19 that were operating on March 16, 2020 within one of the Village’s two Business Development Districts are eligible to apply. More information and a simple application form can be found
here
.
Updated FAQ on Paycheck Protection Program
Yesterday, the U.S, Treasury updated their Frequently Asked Questions document with new information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To view this document, please
click
here
.
First Round of Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Grants Announced
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois announced that $112,000 in grants were awarded to 23 different organizations from the Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund. A complete list of awards can be found
here
. The Recovery Fund was built on major donations by
Caterpillar Foundation
and
Homefield Energy
, plus dozens of private donations from individuals. Grants for a second round of funding will be announced within the next few weeks. For information on how to donate to the Recovery Fund, click
here
.
Peoria Area Face Cover Program
Enjoy Peoria
has partnered with Proforma to create face masks that show our pride in the heart of Illinois and the Peoria Area while staying safe and healthy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated back to
Enjoy Peoria
to continue supporting the communities they serve. Find more information and order masks
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. Donate here.
- UnityPoint Health: UnityPoint is seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. They are also 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.
- UICOMP Accepting Handmade Masks – The University of Illinois College of Medicine is accepting donations of handmade masks. Details can be found here.
- IWIRC: Seeking standard PPE such as N-95/surgical/home-made masks, face shields, gowns, and latex-free gloves. Donated supplies can be dropped off at their downtown Peoria clinic location at 736 SW Washington St. 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.Visit their sites for more info.
Chris Setti
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council