Phase 3 Guidelines for Businesses Still Unavailable
Phase 3 of Restore Illinois will allow many businesses to open in limited capacity as early as May 29. The state of Illinois continues to craft guidelines specific to particular industries (i.e. personal care, retail, etc.). We will share these guidelines as soon as they are made public.
Outdoor Dining Permitted in Phase 3
Governor Pritzker announced on Wednesday that he is altering the Restore Illinois plan to allow for more businesses and activities to open during Phase 3 of the plan. Bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers in outdoor dining areas provided certain guidelines are met. Those guidelines are being developed and will be shared as soon as they are available.
CDC Reopening Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control have released some guidance on reopening different types of businesses. This is just guidance and will not supersede any regulations established by the state of Illinois for Phase 3 of Restore Illinois plan, but do represent best practices that are likely to be reflected in the state’s plans. Read the guidance
here
.
Federal Resources for Small Business
America’s Small Business Development Centers and the Association of Women’s Business Centers have developed a comprehensive to connect small business owners with federal resources. People can view relevant federal agency resources, access the latest news, and search for the nearest Small Business Advisor (which for most of Greater Peoria is the
Bradley SBDC
.) Check out the resource
here
.
Community Foundation of Central Illinois Now Accepting Round 2 Applications
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) announced that the Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund will begin accepting applications for Round 2 of funding on May 21, 2020. The Fund will provide flexible financial support of up to $5,000 to nonprofit partners within the CFCI service area (a 50-mile radius surrounding the city of Peoria, IL excluding Knox and McLean Counties), who are responding to increasing needs as a result of COVID-19. Grants are due May 26, 2020. Round 1 awardees are free to apply in this new round but must provide an update on previous grant activities. Grants awarded in the following areas: Emergency food and basic supplies; interim housing and shelter; primary health care services; utility assistance; support for children and vulnerable populations. More information
here
.
Scaling UP Illinois Restaurant Operations: Exploring Options
University of Illinois Extension is hosting two webinars to address management issues and plan for ways to make the restaurant reopening safe. This webinar series will be offered in two parts, Financial Considerations on May 28 and Opening Safely on June 4.
Part 1: Financial Considerations - May 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Register
here
.
Join a discussion to explore the processes and considerations that restaurants must address as they develop plans to open and get back to work in a safe environment, restore their livelihoods and reboot our state’s economy. Broadline food distributors will give their views on anticipated supply costs and strategies to buffer unanticipated increased costs. Reopening will require a careful analysis of alternative food service models which may include food subscription, take-out menu expansion, grocery market kits, online ordering, and delivery/pickup. Each option requires a break-even analysis specific to your business. Chef Dustin Allen of
Edge in Peoria Heights is a guest presenter.
Part 2: Opening Safely - June 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Register
here.
This webinar features compliance resources and disinfectant practices which allow for a safe physical environment for patrons and staff. Strategies for instilling consumer confidence will be offered, as well as approaches for enhancing the customer experience while adhering to new operational guidelines. Tristan Popadziuk, owner and roastmaster for
[CxT] Roasting Company in Peoria, will provide advice as an operator.
Facebook Shops Unveiled
Facebook announced the launch of Facebook Shops, a tool that lets small business owners set up an online storefront for free. More about Facebook Shops
here
. Digital Trends article on the announcement
here
.
Chris Setti
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council