Friday March 27, 2020
Helping Small Business During COVID-19
Message from the President: Invest in Tomorrow
Today is today and it is what it is. But there is always tomorrow.

During this pandemic let’s focus on the future. Right now there are new challenges every day, every hour and every minute. It may seem overwhelming, but we are strong and resilient and innovative. We can do this!

The Barrington area is known for its unique shops and boutiques. They make up
the character of our hometowns, keep money close to home, and define our communities. They are the ones who donate to our groups and causes. And today
as they struggle, their entrepreneurial spirit is shining through.

Our shop owners are getting creative to adapt to these pandemic times. Some of them have started virtual shopping opportunities on Facebook, virtual tours showing product available, and posted promotions for eGift certificates to invest in tomorrow. There are several sources for creating your own eGift cards such as Giftfly, Square, Roller and Yiftee. 

Tomorrow always comes so let’s invest in the future of these small shops. Give them a call or check out their opportunities online. Commit to buying a gift card, or order some merchandise. Help them out on social media. LIKE their Facebook page, make an encouraging comment, and follow them. Let’s make sure the shops of today are with us tomorrow.  - - Suzanne Corr, BACC President
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
SBA Economic Injury Loans are available now: These loans are intended to help you keep your business open and viable and can cover fixed expenses and payroll. First payment has been deferred for 1 year. The recommendation is to apply as soon as possible, however, show some patience, as the system is in high use. Loans are available at 3.75% interest for small business and 2.75% for nonprofits. No cost to apply and no obligation to take the loan. Unsecured loans are available up to $25,000. Must have SBA acceptable credit history. To apply visit DisasterLoan.SBA.gov. Be patient, the site may be slow due to capacity. Be sure to copy your info in a word document to save your work.
Ways You Can Support Workers on the Front Lines of COVID-19: The State of Illinois is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet local needs and ensure safe care against COVID-19. Residents and companies looking to donate masks (N-95, ear loop, or surgical), gowns (isolation or non-descript), gloves (nitrile, sterile, or surgical) or eye protection (face shields and goggles) for first responders may reach out to  ppe.donations@illinois.gov   to make arrangements.  
Pritzker Announces Three New Programs to Help Small Business: The Governor announced three new programs to assist small businesses throughout Illinois. F irst, all small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and with 2019 revenues under $3 million are eligible for small business emergency loans of up to 5 years in length at low-interest. The first loan payments will not begin for 6-months. 

Second, small businesses in the suburbs and downstate being served by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's (DCEO) Office of Community Development, primarily those serving low-to-moderate income populations, are eligible for GRANTS of up to $25,000. CLICK HERE.

Third, hospitality businesses (i.e. restaurants, bars, and hotels) are eligible for assistance from DCEO to support payroll and rent as well as operations such as pick-up and delivery. To view the DCEO administered loan information CLICK HERE.
BACC Launches Facebook Groups for Local Businesses
BACC has launched two Facebook Groups to help local businesses manage the challenges of COVID-19: 
  • The Barrington Area Takeout, Delivery, Shop Small Group is a public page to post your new hours, delivery and pickup services, and new ways to shop for your products.
  • The Barrington Area Business Forum is a B2B resource to share ideas, solutions and work together through COVID-19.
Event Postponements and Cancellations
  • The April 5 Barrington Family Expo at Barrington High School is being rescheduled for later this year.
  • The April 22 Barrington Area Town Hall Public Forum at The Garlands of Barrington has been cancelled. Please stay tuned for further updates.
  • The April 23 Scholarship Awards Program at the Biltmore Country Club will be rescheduled.
  • Networking Groups are not meeting at BACC through the end of March and beginning of April. Stay tuned or call our office at (847) 381-2525.
  • Barrington Wine Walk has been rescheduled for Saturday June 13.
Now Hiring!
Many local businesses are hiring now! Please click on these logos to visit their company websites for specific job openings.
If you are hiring, let BACC know.
Restaurants Open for Pick-up & Delivery
Many restaurants are open for curbside pick up and delivery. So, enjoy a meal
at home today!
Essential Area Businesses
Many businesses have adjusted their hours and are still offering services and specials in creative ways during this challenging time. Let us know about your services and specials so we can report it here. Email your news to: communications@barringtonchamber.com