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.

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.

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.

WESTERN SPRINGS – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and small businesses are faced with extended financial hardships, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is encouraging business owners to apply for assistance through the latest round of Business Interruption Grants.

“Far more than large companies, small businesses in our community have felt the effects of closures and fewer people venturing out,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To offer some help to these unique local enterprises, Illinois is releasing the next round grants.”

The BIG Program has allocated $220 million in the second round for movie theatres, performing arts venues, concert venues and other businesses that face more challenges in the interest of maintaining health and safety restrictions during the pandemic.

BIG funds may be used to help businesses cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

To ensure funds are distributed across business type, $60 million has been specifically allocated for heavily distressed industries, including indoor recreation facilities and amusement parks.

During its first round of funding earlier this year, the program granted more than $49 million to small businesses across the state. Businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded grants totaling $550,000.

“Small businesses play a vital, unique role in our communities, and I was delighted to see several local organizations make use of assistance from the program,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I encourage any other affected businesses to apply for funding as soon as it becomes available.”

Applications open Thursday, Sept. 17 and can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website alongside a full list of criteria.