The Village of Tinley Park has created a brand-new Facebook page just for Tinley Park businesses!

Visit the new Tinley Park Business Community page and "Like" it to receive business-related information right in your Facebook feed.

State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-38th) will host a virtual Business Town Hall Meeting on how to reboot from the impact of COVID-19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. The program will include information on grant opportunities, business funding and COVID-19 resources.

The event is specifically designed for businesses in the 38th District, which includes Tinley Park, Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Markham, Mokena, Oak Forest, Park Forest and University Park. Join the meeting on Zoom.

The mission of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.

The WBDC can help owners and operators develop their business plans further, discuss marketing strategies and obtain financing. The WBDC also offers a diverse range of seminars, most at no cost. Learn more at www.wbdc.org.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) is offering the second wave of grants as part of its Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program to provide more than $200 million in economic relief for small businesses hit by COVID-19.

The second wave aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses, but with a particular focus on businesses downstate, in disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) and for heavily impacted industries and regions that have been unable to reopen or are operating at a severely diminished capacity since the spring.

To apply, fill out the Business Interruption Grant Application. For more information, visit the DCEO website.

The Village of Tinley Park is committed to supporting restaurants through the Winter Dining Grant, which was created to help businesses comply with public health requirements while expanding their seating capacity through the winter months.

An applicant may be reimbursed for as much as $5,000 for the purchase or rental of barriers, outdoor coverings, heating equipment, lighting equipment, outdoor furniture and other costs associated with outdoor dining. A $1,000 owner investment is required. Expenses previously incurred starting Aug. 1, 2020 may be considered for reimbursement with proof of purchase.

Interested business owners can submit an application with supporting documents to pcordero@tinleypark.org. Community Development Department staff will confirm receipt within one business day. If the grant is approved, the Village will schedule an inspection.

The process is for the use of private property only. If a restaurant is seeking the use of public sidewalks or roadways, please contact the Community Development Department at (708) 444-5110.

Eligible businesses must hold a current business license and, if applicable, a current liquor license. The restaurant must also be in compliance with all of the Village’s liquor codes.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Visit the Village website to apply or for more information.