Glowiak Hilton: 12 local businesses awarded funds, and more should apply

OAKBROOK TERRACE –To help offset financial losses stemming from the pandemic, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is pleased to learn 12 businesses in the district she represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, and she is encouraging more to apply.

“As we work to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases, small business owners and employees are among the hardest hit by mitigation efforts,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants will support operating costs, and I encourage any business struggling to keep their doors open to apply as soon as possible.”

In the district Glowiak Hilton represents, 12 businesses received a combined $420,000 in grants. Each business received between $5,000 and $85,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic. 

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of the BIG program. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent. 

“These grants can help offset some costs, but our community must also come together to support our local businesses during this difficult time,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With the holiday season approaching, I urge residents to look locally first when shopping.”

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are available on DCEO’s website. 

For a complete list of awardees, click here.

Glowiak Hilton: Shop small this holiday season

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is urging residents in Cook and DuPage counties to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses that have been struggling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As residents begin to plan for the holidays, I am reminding shoppers to look locally first,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By patronizing small businesses, we can support our friends and neighbors while investing in our local economies.”

For those who would prefer to shop from home during the pandemic, there are options beyond brick-and-mortar stores. Glowiak Hilton urges residents to support small businesses however they can, including by shopping online, ordering carry out from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend. 

Additionally, if finances are tight, community members can still give businesses a boost by engaging with their social media channels, referring friends and leaving positive reviews online.

Glowiak Hilton would also like to remind struggling small businesses that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched the second round of the Business Interruption Grant program, which will distribute $220 million to small businesses hit hardest by the ongoing pandemic, including movie theaters, event venues, hotels and more. Learn more and apply here.

Glowiak Hilton joins advocates to discuss efforts to support Illinoisans with Alzheimer’s

OAKBROOK TERRACE – During a virtual event held by the Alzheimer’s Association, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to support residents living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. 

“Many older adults are suffering from isolation and other health complications during the pandemic, and these effects can be even worse for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By supporting and advocating for residents, families and caregivers affected by the disease, we can improve care and provide additional resources where they are most needed.”

In 2019, Glowiak Hilton sponsored Senate Bill 1726, which created a Dementia Coordinator position within the Illinois Department of Public Health to implement and update the Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan. Department officials are currently conducting interviews with applicants to fill this role. 

For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease including COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.alz.org/. Residents can also call the 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.

Glowiak Hilton urges child care providers to apply for state aid

WESTERN SPRINGS —To offer support for working parents, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging child care providers who have faced financial struggles due to COVID-19 to apply for the next round of the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program.

“When parents can count on their child care providers, they can feel better about returning to work,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Many child care facilities have struggled to keep their doors open for essential workers, so our state is offering an opportunity for financial assistance. I encourage all affected providers to apply.” 

More than $150 million was awarded to 4,686 child care providers across 95 counties during the first round of BIG funding earmarked for child care. Nearly half these funds went to providers in areas disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 crisis. 

Child care facilities have continued to face financial hardships in recent months, leading the state to open a second round of BIG grants specifically for child care providers. In this second wave of funding, $114 million will be available for child care centers and family child care homes that are licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services and currently open. 

Applications for Child Care Restoration Grants are available until Oct. 15 and can be found here. 
All other businesses can apply for BIG grants here.