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City of Chicago implements two new COVID-19 relief programs for businesses and non-profits

COVID-19 businesses
A sign hangs on the door of a shuttered restaurant in the Loop on March 19, 2020. Restaurants, bars, and many other businesses were closed in the city to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The City of Chicago is making more than $20 million in new grants available or businesses and not-for-profits still recovering from the impact of COVID-19.

One of the $20 million programs is the Chi Biz Strong Program, which will include giving out grants for $5,000-$10,000 dollars to businesses and nonprofits that suffered losses or higher costs due to COVID. The other is the Outdoor Dining program, which is meant to help restaurants buy outdoor furniture.


"It is essential that the City of Chicago does all that it can to help and protect Chicago's business and nonprofit community," said city Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Acting Commissioner Kenneth Meyer in a statement.

"These grant programs put financial relief into the hands of Chicago's most-impacted local entrepreneurs and organizations so that we can reinvigorate communities on our road to recovery."

Businesses with revenue under $3 million are eligible for both programs. Businesses that have not received prior government relief funds will be prioritized.

Businesses citywide will be eligible for the grant funding with 50 percent of available funding prioritized for businesses in low and moderate Income communities to combat underlying disparities intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and 50 percent to other neighborhoods.

Meyer said businesses need to apply by midnight, Friday Nov. 12. The city will also be holding five webinars about the grants this week. Business owners can see the sessions on the BACP You Tube channel as well.