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Noteworthy News
An electronic newsletter for Tinley Park businesses
March 27, 2020

COVID-19 assistance for Tinley Park businesses
The Village understands how important its businesses are to the wellbeing and vitality of Tinley Park, and to that end is working to help ease the burdens local owners/operators are feeling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Stay at Home” order that has closed many “non-essential” establishments across the state.

The Federal Government and the State of Illinois also are doing their part by offering several grants and loan programs for small businesses. Read on to learn more about all of these programs and measures geared toward making the lives of business owners a bit easier in this time of uncertainty.
Small Business Emergency Loan
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) have established the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer small businesses low interest loans of as much as $50,000. Loans can be used to support working capital.

Businesses located outside Chicago with fewer than 50 workers and less than $3 million in revenue in 2019 will be eligible to apply. Successful applicants will owe nothing for six months, and will then begin making fixed payments at a below-market interest rate for the remainder of a five-year loan term. 

Businesses can complete an interest form [LINK] to apply, and eligible businesses will be invited to submit a full application beginning April 1. DCEO will make a loan decision within 10 days and make funds available within two days of receiving bank information from a business.
Hospitality Emergency Grant Program
DCEO also is offering the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program. Small businesses in Illinois affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can use this grant money to support working capital, job training and technology-enabling new operations, as well as other costs to implement that technology. For hotels, funds can be used as working capital to support the retention of employees. Businesses can submit applications online [LINK] now through 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, and winners will be notified on Saturday, April 4.
Tax Day Change
Both the Federal government and the State of Illinois have moved the date to file 2019 taxes from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have three extra months to file and make payments without interest or penalties. 
Other Federal and State measures
Other measures are available, including license extensions, economic injury disaster loans and sales tax deferments for bars and restaurants. The Village has created a page at TinleyPark.org/BusinessCOVIDResources containing details on these programs and others like them. This page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available, so check back often.
Temporary Sign Permit waivers
To encourage you to get the word out about your services, the Village is waiving temporary sign permit fees, time limits for businesses and the permit itself. Temporary signs must be located on the premise of which they identify and may be attached to the building or be located on the ground and the sign must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all property lines. Please remember that temporary signs cannot be located within parking spaces, the public right of way, within public utility or drainage easements, in the way of sidewalks, on utility poles, on trees, on traffic signs, on roofs or in areas that obstruct clear sight/vehicular visibility. Inflatable signs only are allowed on the ground and must be a minimum of 20 feet from property lines.
Village’s guide to open restaurants
The Village also has created a guide to open restaurants at TinleyPark.org/OpenEats to help promote places that are still offering some form of food delivery or carryout. Even if you aren’t a restaurant, being closed to the public doesn’t necessarily mean you have to close up shop, as many are using social media and email marketing as a useful way to promote and sell wares while still respecting social distancing measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Contact the Village’s Economic Development Division for more information on creative ways to continue to do business during the pandemic. 
Village Deferments
The Village is deferring the filing and payment of March hotel taxes to May 15, and is waiving penalties and interest on past-due hotel tax payments through that same date. The Village also is postponing the implementation of the recently passed storage tax.

Until further notice, the Village also will not charge late fees or shut off water service due to an inability to pay. While payments will still be due once the “Stay at Home” order is lifted, the Village wants to ensure business do not have to worry about utilities at the same time they’re struggling to keep their stores afloat.
For more information
See a list of other resources for businesses on the Village's website at TinleyPark.org/BusinessCOVIDResources. Please feel free to contact Village's Economic Business Development Manager Priscilla Cordero at (708) 444-5110 or send an email to COVID19inquiry@tinleypark.org for more information on ways the Village can help your business during this unprecedented crisis.
Village of Tinley Park
16250 S. Oak Park Avenue Tinley Park, IL 60477
(708) 444-5000
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