COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
The goal of the LGBA is to provide regular and updated resources to help our local businesses navigate the complex and changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll find information here on legislation, finance, health and related events.
State of Illinois
Restore Illinois: A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State
This is the official guidance that will inform future decisions made by Gov. Pritzker about when non-essential businesses can start reopening, and what precautions will remain in place.
Federal Government
Guidelines for Opening Up America Again
A three-phased approach developed by the federal government to help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.
This is the latest guidance for where you live, work, learn, pray and play - released on May 14.
CDC Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting
This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. It covers recommended methods for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes.
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed this COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices. It focuses on the need for employers to implement engineering, administrative, and work practice controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as considerations for doing so.
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
DCEO has compiled a list of resources for small businesses along with helpful links. Small Business Development Centers across the state are available to assist businesses with accessing resources. Please visit their website (LINK) for more information.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Implementing a National Return to Work Plan
This memo prepared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce explores some of the major implications of returning to work in this environment—ranging from workplace safety and employee rights to liability concerns and continued revenue disruptions.
Other Resources
American Express Stand for Small
Stand for Small is a one-stop shop provided by American Express with resources, offers, and tools from a growing group of companies that are helping small businesses get back to business.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Updates
Sign up for SBA email updates on their website (LINK)
- The Small Business Guide to the CARE Act produced by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship is a quick and concise guide to the various relief opportunities available to small business owners.
- COVID-19: Small Business Loan Information The State of Illinois has received its statewide Economic Injury Declaration which means small businesses in Illinois may be eligible for low-interest, economic injury disaster loans up to $2M per business. Eligibility requirements are determined by SBA and can be found on their website (LINK). Businesses can access additional information (LINK) and apply for the loan online (LINK). Register for a free seminar that gives an overview for small business on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Read the Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the US Chamber of Commerce.
Cook County Resources
Cook County Community Recovery Fund is an initiative that provides rapid relief loans, technical assistance and outreach for suburban small businesses and gig workers. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees and less than $3 million in revenue will qualify.
Unemployment Information
Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible. Please visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s website (LINK) to review the for the information to assist your employees
Utility Updates
Below are links to several of the local area utilities regarding their response to COVID-19:
Other Assistance
DoorDash is offering assistance to the restaurant industry through a package of commission relief for new and existing DoorDash partner restaurants. Please visit their website (LINK) for more information.
GrubHub is offering assistance to independent restaurants by deferring commission fees. Please visit their website (LINK) for more information.
UberEats is offering assistance to independent restaurants by waiving delivery fees and enabling same-day payouts for any UberEats restaurants who request it, to increase cash flow certainty. Please visit their website (LINK) for more information.
