Macon Reporter

A second round of grants for the Business Interruption Grant Program has been opened by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. 

"There is dedicated money for down-state Illinois here in this grant round and so it's very promising, so if you are eligible for that grant, fill it out," Nicole Bateman, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Decatur-Macon County, told WAND-TV.

All businesses in Macon County that need assistance are being encouraged to apply for a grant. Industries that have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic include: event venues, music venues, performing arts venues, indoor recreation, amusement parks, movie theaters, museums and charter/shuttle bus services, in addition to independently owned retail, restaurants, bars, taverns, fitness centers, tourism-related and travel-related activities, including lodging and accommodations and support services for arts and events.

To be eligible for a grant, a business must be independently owned and be a for-profit organization in operation at least three months prior to March 2020. It also must have less than $20 million in gross operating revenue for 2019. 

Businesses must also have a net operating loss since March 21 to be eligible and have either closed or operated with reduced operations from government orders. They should also have followed all relevant pandemic laws and regulations.