Reminders: All previous bulletins and other resources listed at www.gpcovid.com . Resource requests from our community institutions listed at the end of this bulletin. Send any questions to bizinfo@greaterpeoriaedc.org .

Save Small Business Fund 61550 is not eligible for this program
The U.S. Chamber Foundation is launching their Save Small Business Fund . Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the U.S. Chamber Foundation will be providing $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers (between 3-20 employees) in economically vulnerable communities. A zip-code lookup on their website will tell you if a business is considered to be located in a “vulnerable community.” Applications for the Save Small Business Grant Fund will open this Monday, April 20, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Interested individuals can sign up for an email alert to be notified of the window opening. The effort is part of the U.S. Chamber’s larger Save Small Business Initiative .  

Paycheck Protection Program Depleted
The SBA announced earlier today that its popular Paycheck Protection Program had been depleted and no more applications were being accepted (Forbes article here ). Congress is currently debating a new relief package that is likely to include more funds for PPP. A quick survey of Peoria financial institutions yielded mixed advice for those interested in PPP. Some were still accepting applications in anticipation of another window opening while others are not accepting new applications at the moment. Those interested should contact their lender to discuss options.

Peoria Innovation Alliance Webinar Series
The Peoria Innovation Alliance is hosting a free, 7-part webinar series titled “Conquering Uncertainty: Thriving in Times of Chaos.” From PIA: “Developing a personal mission and maintaining a healthy emotional outlook are always essential, but incredibly important in a time of crisis. The 7-webinar series Conquering Uncertainty: Thriving in Times of Chaos helps provide the tools needed to create an unshakeable foundation to weather any storm, including the current pandemic. Participants will have the opportunity to examine their own personal mission and how that shapes their outlook and world view. Is your glass half full or half empty? Add strategies to your toolkit on how to take charge of how YOU react to the world around you.” More information and registration 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. Donations are being matched to up to $10,000. Donate here.
  • UnityPoint Health: UnityPoint is seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. They are als 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.
  • Morton Chamber & EDC addition: Community United Church of Christ and Grace Church provided meals to Morton kids over Spring Break.To help cover some of the expenses, they are graciously accepting monetary donations. Checks can be made out to and mailed to Community United Church of Christ, 300 N. Main St, Morton, IL 61550 with the memo "School Meals".

Chris Setti
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council