COVID-19 Information

building
COVID-19 Information
covid-19 information
The Village of Huntley has compiled a list of resources and important information for businesses in the Huntley area including Loan and Grant Options.  Vaccination Information is available here. This page will be updated as new information becomes available, so please check back often.  Follow HuntleyFirst on LinkedIn for additional resources and information.  

IDPH FAQ's on COVID-19 Testing Sites
STATE OF ILLINOIS Executive Orders and Rules
 
McHenry County COVID-19 DATA:
MCHENRY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 DASHBOARD
MCDH’S SCHOOL METRICS DASHBOARD
Kane County COVID-19 DATA:
KANE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

EFFECTIVE march 4, 2022
After a steady decline in the demand for assistance, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is announcing that the final day of the COVID-19 Call Center will be Friday, March 4.

 
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 28, 2022
Statewide Indoor Mask Requirement - Illinoisans can resume activities without wearing a mask indoors on February 28th except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Federal requirements, in effect through at least March 18, include all transportation systems such as airports, planes, trains, and buses. 
Press Release

december 20-

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications will be accepted until December 31, 2021. For details and to apply, click here


september 9-

As of September 8, 2021, new COVID EIDL policy changes have taken effect. In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). Updates include:

  • Maximum loan cap increased from $500,000 to $2 million
  • Use of funds was expanded to include payment and pre-payment of business non-federal debt incurred at any time (past or future) and payment of federal debt
  • Extend the deferment period to 24 months from origination for all loans (existing loans with a less than 24-month deferment will be adjusted)
  • Affiliation requirements simplified to an affiliate is a business that you control or in which you have 50% of more ownership
  • Developed additional path to meet program size standards for businesses assigned a NAICS code beginning with 61, 71, 72, 213, 3121, 315, 448, 451, 481, 485, 487, 511, 512, 515, 532, or 812
  • Exclusivity Period: From September 8, 2021 to October 8, 2021, the above policy changes will be applicable to applications for <$500K while applications for >$500K will not be approved and therefore receive the policy changes until October 8, 2021
See more details on the COVID-19 September 8, 2021 Policy Changes.
Click here for program information. 
The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. The SBA recommends that all eligible applicants file their applications as soon as possible.

September 3-
FAQ ON FACE COVERING AND VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AS OF 9/3/2021


august 30-
As of Aug. 30, 2021, the state of Illinois has reinstated a mask mandate requiring residents 2 years and older to wear face coverings in indoor settings. While face coverings are not required outdoors, masks are encouraged in crowded outdoor settings like festivals and concerts, as well as for activities that require close contact with people who are not vaccinated.

july 28-
A new $250 million business grant program, titled the Back to Business (B2B) grant, has been announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce. B2B will offer the hardest hit industries grants of $5K-$150K to help offset losses, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic.  Applications open on Wednesday, August 18. 
Learn about program details and eligibility guidelines here

july 28-
On July 28, 2021, the SBA launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.  Learn more

june 11-
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed that the entire state is operating in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois reopening plan effective today, All businesses and activities previously subject to DCEO guidelines are allowed to resume normal operations. Read the recommended Phase 5 guidance. For more information on guidelines published in previous phases in the State’s reopening framework and track numerous public health metrics, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

STATE OF ILLINOIS Executive Orders and Rules
FAQ ON FACE COVERING AND VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AS OF 9/3/2021

may 31-
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application period ended on May 31, 2021. Existing applications will continue to be reviewed through the end of June. Existing borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

may 19-
It has been announced that the  Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) application period will close on Monday, May 24th at 7 p.m. CT. The American Rescue Plan Act established the program to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open.
Eligible applicants can apply at restaurants.sba.gov.


may 14-
Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed that the entire state is now operating in the Bridge Phase of the Restore Illinois reopening plan effective today, Friday,  May 14th. The Bridge Phase is the final step before the full reopening of Phase 5. 
Under Bridge Phase, there are expanded capacity limits for businesses, dining, offices, events, conferences and gatherings. Barring any significant reversals in key COVID-19 statewide indicators, including increasing hospitalizations, Illinois could enter Phase 5 as soon as Friday, June 11th.


may 6-
View resurgence criteria here: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics?regionID=1
For more on the bridge to Phase 5 and expanded capacity limits in Phase 4 – see this overview document.


april 30-
Update on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund:  Today the SBA begins accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) via the application portal. The application portal will remain open to any eligible* establishment until all funds are exhausted. If you haven't yet, register for an application portal account at https://restaurants.sba.gov/requests. If you are working with Square or Toast, Inc., you do not need to register. 
For additional help with your application, call: 1-844-279-8898
Watch a recorded webinar covering program details and a demonstration of the application portal here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxi3EcB_BZ4
 
For more information, visit  sba.gov/restaurants 
*Per the SBA website, eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
  • Restaurants
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts
  • Caterers
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
  • Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
  • Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
april 30-
Update on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund:
  • Registration opens today, you register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov (if you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register).
  • SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. In preparation, the SBA suggests that qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Follow the steps below.  
  • - Review the sample application, updated program guide and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options. 
  • For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants. 
april 19-
The new U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will be opening soon, providing funding to eligible bars, restaurants, and food service businesses to cover pandemic-related revenue losses. These forgivable funds can be used for payroll, mortgage/rent, supplies, and many other operating expenses. The SBA is not currently accepting RRF applications, but application preparation is available. Priority will be given to women, veteran, and socially/economically disadvantaged business owners. Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/restaurants 
Sign up here to receive email alerts from SBA as additional information about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund becomes available. 

march 30-
The SBA has extended the PPP application date until May 31, 2021. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
1. Find a lender: Discuss with your banker or  Search for lenders in your area
2. Identify a loan: 
First Draw PPP loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP loans are available to you.
Second Draw PPP loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan.
SBA also offers additional COVID-19 relief.

march 18-
Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced a plan to transition from Phase 4 to Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan. The “Bridge” transition period is further described in the Press Release available via this link.  At this time the entire state remains in Phase 4. When 70% of the state’s population aged 65+ has received at least one dose of a vaccine, Illinois will move into the “Bridge” transition period. The “Bridge” transition period restrictions are available via this link,  many of which allow for higher capacity limits and increased business operations.  After a 28-day monitoring of the “Bridge” transition period, the state will be eligible to move into Phase 5 only if/when 50% or more of Illinois residents aged 16+ have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Phase 5 will remove capacity restrictions and other regulations in place under previous mitigations and during the “Bridge” transition period. Bridge FAQ 's may be viewed here.
For current phase/status information, see the Regional Phase Dashboard.

march 16-
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.
 - All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note.
 - All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 18-months from the date of the note.

february 3 -
Region 8 (Kane), and Region 9 (McHenry) are moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective today. The Illinois Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria for all regions may be viewed on the IDPH website here.  A Phase 4 Guidelines Overview can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.

JANUARY 26 -
Today it was announced that Region 8 and 9 will be operating Under Phase 4 Guidelines with Tier 1 Resurgence Mitigations. McHenry County is part of Region 9, Kane County is part of Region 8.  The Illinois Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria for all regions may be viewed on the IDPH website here. Youth and Adult Recreational Sport guidance may be viewed here.

JANUARY 22 -
In the coming weeks, DCEO, Small Business Development Centers and community navigators will host more than 100 webinars to assist small businesses. Webinars will cover technical assistance and questions related to the PPP application, as well as provide informational resources for businesses seeking assistance on EIDL, and upcoming EIDL Advance loan and SVO grant programs.  For a list of upcoming webinars, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website.

JANUARY 18 -

Today it was announced that Region 8 and 9 will be operating Under Phase 4 Guidelines with Tier 2 Resurgence Mitigations. McHenry County is part of Region 9, Kane County is part of Region 8.  The Illinois Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria for all regions may be viewed on the IDPH website here. Youth and Adult Recreational Sport guidance may be viewed here.

january 15 -

An overview of mitigations currently in effect, as well as an overview of guidelines for operating in Mitigation Tiers 1 through 3, can be found via this link.  McHenry County is part of Region 9, Kane County is part of Region 8.  Both regions are currently in Tier 3 Mitigation. The Illinois Regional COVID-19 Resurgence Criteria for all regions may be viewed on the IDPH website here.
Image may contain: text that says 'Tiered Mitigation Approach Protects Progress Bars and restaurants Tier 1 Cultural instituions Limited indoor service Tier 2 Gaming and casinos Open No indoor service Tier 3 Hotels Open Open No indoor service Open Gatherings Open Paused Indoor fitness classes Allowed with public health guidelines Open Registered guests only Paused Meetings and events 10 people Registered guests only Offices Groups limited to 25 Groups limited to 10 Household only Group recreation Open Groups limited to 10 Paused Open Open Paused 25 people max Remote work encouraged Paused indoors, 10 person limit outdoors State ofIllinois COVID-19 Update'

january 11 -

Notice: Paycheck Protection Program resumes January 11, 2021. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met and the funds are used for eligible expenses. 
How To Apply:  You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.  Contact your lender for details. For additional information on the program, visit the SBA PPP page

january 8 -
Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Saturday, February 6, 2021. Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2021-01 to extend the Tier 3 enhanced mitigations.

december 10 -
Attention Business Owners: The BIG Application Deadline is December 15, 2020. Don’t Wait to Apply!
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is informing small businesses and communities that the application period for the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program will close at 5pm on Tuesday, December 15.  DCEO and its grant administration and outreach partners are reminding small business owners to get their application in if they haven’t already. Applying is easy, and DCEO along with its grant administrators Accion and WBDC have developed a menu of resources and technical assistance to help small businesses in need qualify for grants. Resources and more info are available here: https://www2.illinois.gov/.../C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx

november 20 -
Beginning Friday, November 20, 2020 at 12:01am all Illinois regions will be operating under the Restore Illinois Phase 4 Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation plan.
Details of the plan may be viewed here, additional information may be found on the Tier 3 Mitigation FAQ .
tier 3 graphic

november 13 -

Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Saturday, December 12. Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-71 to extend all Phase 4 orders.

november 11 -
The Governor’s Office and IDPH  announced that Region 8 (which includes Kane County) has activated the state’s Tier 2 enhanced mitigations, effective Wednesday, November 11.
Tier 2 Resurgence Mitigations  - effective 11/11/2020 for Region 8, which includes Kane County
Tier 1 Resurgence Mitigations - currently in effect for Region 9 (McHenry County)

NOVEMBER 3 INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES -
Are you familiar with the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program that aims to provide relief for all types of small businesses? $175M in grants are still available in Round 2! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted. To learn more about the BIG program, and to apply, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/.../c19disadvantagedbusgrants.aspx
Join a BIG Technical Assistance session covering the BIG application and questions about the program. This session will be presented by Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) tomorrow – Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 9:30 am – 10:30 am �ž������������������������ Register here: https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/onstage/g.php...
Restaurant and Bar owners - join the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) this Friday, November 6 at 1 pm for an overview and Q&A on the BIG Program. This 1-hour webinar is specifically tailored to the hospitality businesses. Register here �ž������������������������ https://bit.ly/3l55eJn
Of special attention to small businesses who have a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $50,000 or less - Friday join U.S. Small Business Administration's Stephen Konkle as he discusses how PPP loans of $50,000 or less can be forgiven. Friday, November 6 at 10:00 am �ž������������������������ Register here: https://bit.ly/2TE3WZA

OCTOBER 31 -

The Governor’s Office and IDPH have announced that Tier 1 enhanced mitigation measures go into effect Saturday, October 31 for Region 9 which includes McHenry County. More information about the mitigation efforts is available here.
A map designating each region, as well as the current status of each region, is available via this link: http://dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics?regionID=9

OCTOBER 23 -
The Governor’s Office and IDPH have announced that Tier 1 enhanced mitigation measures go into effect today, Friday, October 23, for Region 8 which includes Kane County. More information about the mitigation efforts is available here.
A map designating each region, as well as the status of each region, is available via this link: http://dph.illinois.gov/regionmetrics?regionID=8
Enhanced mitigations will be in effect in a region until that region is able to reduce its seven-day rolling average test positivity rate to or below 6.5% for three consecutive days. When a region is at or below the 6.5% sustained positivity rate target for three consecutive days, the region will be allowed to return to regular Phase 4 guidelines without enhanced mitigations.
IDPH has highlighted that the state’s Guidelines for Youth and Adult Recreation Sports (https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/introduction), which went into effect on August 15, still apply and are not affected by the enhanced mitigations.

 
OCTOBER 16 -
Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Saturday, November 14. 
Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-59 to extend all Phase 4 orders.

september 18 -
Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation (available via this linkextending the statewide declaration through Saturday, October 17. Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-55 (available via this link) to extend all Phase 4 orders.

AUGUST 19 -

The State of Illinois today announced revised guidelines for restaurants and bar establishments statewide to operate safely and help prevent the spread of covid-19. New guidelines go into effect Wednesday, August 26th and will require face coverings to be worn both in indoor and outdoor dining settings in all eleven regions in the state. Full guidelines may be found on the department of commerce and economic opportunity (DCEO) website.

AUGUST 18 -
 

In recent days, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings.
In summary, this ruling states that any business, service, facility, or organization shall take reasonable steps:
• to require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises to wear a face covering
• to comply with group gathering size recommendations

Additional details, including links to the Emergency Rule and Governor's Press Release, are available on the Village website at https://huntley.il.us/news_detail_T17_R230.php
 

july 24 -
Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Saturday, August 22. Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-48 to extend all Phase 4 orders. All regions of the state remain in Phase 4 (Revitalization) of the “Restore Illinois” plan. For a region of the state to move into Phase 5 (Illinois Restored) a vaccine or effective treatment must be made available or the state must have seen an elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors.
All Phase 4 guidelines are available on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) COVID-19 website via this link. DCEO is available to assist with inquiries regarding the Phase 4 guidelines by phone at (800) 252-2923 or by email at ceo.support@illinois.gov.  
Mitigation Plan FAQ's may be viewed here


JULY 15 -
Today, Governor JB Pritzker hosted a COVID-19 press briefing update highlighting a new mitigation plan to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19. The Governor’s mitigation plan is available via this link. During his press briefing, the Governor announced that the state would be modifying its regional boundaries to largely follow IDPH’s 11 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regions. The Governor’s press release announcing today’s changes is available via this link.  Mitigation Plan FAQ's may be viewed here.

JUNE 26 - ALL REGIONS ENTER PHASE 4 OF THE "RESTORE ILLINOIS" PLAN
Press Release announcing all regions move to Phase 4 effective June 26
With the entire state entering Phase 4 today, Governor JB Pritzker signed a new Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide disaster declaration through Saturday, July 25, 2020.  Additionally, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-43 , which supersedes the previous order to reflect the changes in Phase 4. Governor Pritzker also signed Executive Order 2020-44 extending previous executive orders. 

PHASE 4 FAQ's FOR ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has provided Phase 4 guidelines for businesses These guidelines are intended to prepare businesses, employers and employees to implement new safety measures for reopening and returning to work.  Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines. The guidelines may be viewed via the following link,  Phase 4 Guidelines.

May 29 - phase 3 (recovery) of the "restore illinois" plan
With the whole state entering Phase 3, Governor JB Pritzker announced an end to his Stay at Home Order. The Governor signed a Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide disaster declaration through Saturday, June 27, 2020.  Additionally, the Governor signed Executive Order 2020-38, called the Community Recovery Order, which supersedes the previous Stay at Home Order to reflect the changes allowed in Phase 3.  The Governor also signed Executive Order 2020-39 extending previous executive orders. 
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has provided guidelines for businesses that are allowed to re-open under Phase 3These guidelines are intended to prepare businesses, employers and employees to implement new safety measures for reopening and returning to work.  Each set of guidelines includes a common set of guidelines that are expected and encouraged among all employers and activity types, as well as workplace and program-specific guidelines. The guidelines may be viewed via this link.
If you have read the industry safety guidelines above and have other specific questions or comments about how Phase 3 affects your business or employees, DCEO offers direct support via their Business Hotline Monday through Friday at 1-800-252-2923, or email at: ceo.support@illinois.gov.  Additional information regarding the Restore Illinois plan may be found here.
Please be respectful of the guidelines in place for Phase 3 which continue to include social distancing parameters, face covering requirements, etc. 

MAY 5 - THE "RESTORE ILLINOIS" PLAN is announced
On May 5, 2020, Governor JB Pritzker announced the creation of “Restore Illinois,” a five-phase plan to safely reopen the state’s economy. The five phases are: Rapid Spread, Flattening, Recovery, Revitalization and Illinois Restored. The five-phase plan is guided by public health metrics designed to provide a framework for reopening businesses, education and recreational activities in each phase. The Governor indicated that this initial plan can and will be updated as research and science develop and as effective treatments or vaccines are realized.
→More information about the Governor’s “Restore Illinois” plan is available in his press release via this link
→The Governor’s full “Restore Illinois” plan is available via this link
→Restore Illinois FAQ's
Do you have questions regarding essential and non-essential businesses? Please visit DCEO’s website www2.illinois.gov/dceo/Pages/EssentialBusiness.aspx or contact DCEO at 1-800-252-2923 or via email CEO.support@illinois.gov.

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR SASS, MAY 12, 2020
We are eager to move forward and safely re-open our local economy.  To that end, we have worked collectively with the other municipalities in McHenry County and McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks to ask the Governor to re-consider the inclusion of McHenry County within the Northeast Health Region, which includes Cook County, and to move us into another region.  This would allow progressing through the Governor’s recovery phases on a quicker pace.  This effort has involved putting together a plan for safely re-opening businesses in Huntley and throughout the county.  We thank you for supporting our local businesses and encourage everyone to continue to do so.  
Please review the following for additional details:
Press Release
Letter from Leaders of McHenry County

covid-19 related loan and grant options

A number of new programs, including loans and grants, have been put in place in response to COVID-19. The following information is meant to be a helpful starting point as you evaluate options for your business.  Due to the evolving nature of these programs, it is recommended that you visit the source for the must current information. This list will be updated often with a goal of providing a comprehensive list of options, but may not be inclusive of all available options. 

SBA LOAN PROGRAMS
Learn about the various programs offered by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) in this helpful guide Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
 
webinars covering COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NON-PROFITS
are held by the sbdc and sba Visit sba.gov/offices/district/il/chicago for schedules

  • SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL): 

    The deadline for applications has been announced - applications are due by December 31. On September 9, 2021, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the following major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

    • Increasing the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
    • Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination so that they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
    • Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure main street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
    • Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
    • Simplification of affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

    To learn about eligibility and application requirements and how to apply, visit sba.gov/eidl. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All eligible applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.

    Learn more

  • SBA Debt Relief: For six months, the SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest and fees on current qualified loans and new qualified loans issued before Sept. 27, 2020. This relief is not available for Paycheck Protection Program loans or Economic Injury Disaster loans. 
Back to Business Grant Program: The deadline to apply has passed and applications are closed.  While we are no longer accepting applications, if you previously submitted a complete application, you may check on its status at the application portal. A new $250 million business grant program, titled the Back to Business (B2B) grant, has been announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce. B2B will offer the hardest hit industries grants of $5K-$150K to help offset losses, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic. Applications will be open from August 18 to October 13.  Learn about program details and eligibility guidelines here

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program:  As of August 20, 2021, SVOG is no longer accepting new applications.
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small
Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. This program is designed to provide assistance to live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators (including owners), and talent representatives. The portal remains open for applications. Please check the SBA website, www.sba.gov/svogrant, for more information. 

Paycheck Protection Program:  

As of May 6, 2021, funding for the Paycheck Protection Program has been exhausted.  The SBA will continue funding outstanding approved PPP applications, but new qualifying applications will only be funded through Community Financial Institution, financial lenders who serve underserved communities.
Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF): The Application period closed May 4, 2021. This Small Business Administration program will be focused on providing relief to restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers, and related businesses. The American Rescue Plan Act established the RRF to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.   Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements on the SBA website: https://www.sba.gov/restaurants 

SBA Express Bridge Loan: The Express Bridge pilot loan program expired March 13, 2021. Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. Application and processing of this loan is through a SBA Preferred Lender - Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender by connecting with your local SBA District Office


additional loan and grant programs to explore
  • Go Fund Me - Small Business Relief InitiativeSmall businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis can sign up on GoFundMe to start a fundraiser to benefit their small business. If a small business raises $500 on their GoFundMe and meets eligibility criteria listed below, they may be considered to receive a $500 matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund
  • Professional Beauty Association (PBA) COVID-19 RELIEF FUND The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. 
  • Kane County Coronavirus Relief Fund - Application window for Round 2 has closed.  
  • McHenry County Immediate Business Relief Grant Program: Application window closed as of January 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM CST (EXTENDED DEADLINE).  Additional resources are available at http://www.resumemchenrycounty.com/
  • Uber Eats Restaurant Grant Program The program closed on Sunday, February 28 at 11:59PM ET. The Restaurant Grant Program offers grants of $5,000 to Uber Eats or Postmates restaurant partners to help meet their most immediate needs.
  • Main Street Loan Program - The Program terminated on January 8, 2021. As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Reserve has created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Among other eligibility criteria, an eligible business must have no more than 15,000 employees or 2019 annual revenues of no more than $5 billion. Applications are handled by an eligible lender (U.S. federally-insured depository institutions ((including banks, savings associations, and credit unions)) as well as any U.S. branch or affiliate of a foreign bank.) This is a non-forgivable loan. Loan amounts are between $250,000 and $35 million.
  • BIG Grant, Illinois Business Interruption Grant  Notice: The application period for this program closed on December 15, 2020. https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/C19DisadvantagedBusGrants.aspx
  • Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund: Applications for the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund are no longer being accepted at this time. DCEO and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are establishing the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund to offer small businesses low interest loans of up to $50,000.

    Enter your email address here if you would like to be notified as soon as Accion resumes accepting new applications.

  • McHenry County Small Business Stabilization Grant Program - The pre-application window is now closed, as of May 08, 2020 at 4:30 PM (CDT).  Only small businesses that submitted complete pre-applications before the deadline were invited to a full application via a link to an online application portal. The full application that will open the morning of Monday, May 11, 2020 and close on Friday, May 15, 2020 at 4:00pm (CDT). If a small business successfully pre-applied and did not receive a full application weblink, or requires assistance through the full application process, please reach out to Andrew Stuckey at ACStuckey@mchenrycountyil.gov.
  • Hospitality Emergency Grant Program - The application window has closed. Grant winners will be contacted directly by Accion. Bars and restaurants with a valid license to serve food or liquor and who generated revenues of less than $1 million in 2019 are eligible for grants between $10,000-$50,000 based on stated revenue thresholds.  
  • Facebook Small Business Grants Program - Applications are no longer being accepted at this time. Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses.
  • The Red Backpack Fund -  Applications are no longer being accepted at this time. The Red Backpack Fund is an initiative started by The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation. The foundation donated $5 million to GlobalGiving to establish The Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving will be making at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help alleviate the immediate needs and support the long-term recovery of those impacted by this crisis. 
  • Business for All Grant or COVID-19 Emergency Grant -  As of November 10, 2020, the Business for All Grant application has officially closed. Business for All is a national movement to lift up 100,000 small business owners to receive funding and mentorship. By completing the application below, you’re eligible to receive up to $50,000 in grant funding. 

Additional Resources
FOR BUSINESS:

FOR THE  COMMUNITY:

Vaccination Information:
The Kane County and McHenry County Health Departments have established webpages to provide timely COVID-19 vaccination information. All Illinoisans age 16 and up are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines.
 
- McHenry County residents: McHenry County Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now open to all Illinois residents. Walk-in appointments are accepted subject to vaccine supplies at all MCDH mass vaccination clinics. Scheduling an appointment in advance is still encouraged to avoid being turned away from a clinic that has reached supply capacity (https://covidvaccination.dph.illinois.gov/)
Those without internet or who need assistance with booking an appointment can call MCDH’s COVID-19 Call Center at (815) 334-4045 or the Illinois Department of Public Health’s vaccine scheduling hotline at (833) 621-1284.

- Kane County residents: Kane County Health Department vaccination clinics now offer onsite registration and walk-ins are welcome, subject to vaccine availability. Visit kanevax.org or call 855-4-KANEVAX for vaccine appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment in advance is still encouraged to avoid being turned away from a clinic that has reached supply capacity

To locate other vaccine options, visit: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/vaccination-location
A toll-free Vaccine Appointment Call Center has been launched to to assist people who do not have access to or who have difficulty navigating online services in making appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The phone number is 833-621-1284 and can take TTY calls.  For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ guidance, call 800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@illinois.gov



tips
In this time of ongoing change, it is critical that your customers are informed. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc), Websites and Email blasts are all helpful tools that can quickly communicate changes:
  • Are you open or closed?
  • Have your hours changed? Or, are you available by appointment only?
  • How have your delivery and/or pick-up procedures been modified?
  • How have your cleaning, check-out, store setup and/or other procedures changed due to COVID-19? 
  • Do you have any specials/promotions?
  • Do you stock a hard to find item? 


SUPPORT LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL:
shop huntley
VISIT the SHOP HUNTLEY page to view a variety of businesses offering services, supplies, shopping and dining options within the Village of Huntley. Please consider shopping local for your needs, our businesses appreciate your support. Shop. Eat. Play. Huntley!



Huntley Businesses Step Up… a shout out to Huntley businesses helping the cause 
Do you know of a Huntley business who has stepped up to help the cause during this pandemic?
Tell us about it. Please email mstocker@huntley.il.us We’d love to hear about it!
huntley businesses step up TEQ
huntley businesses step up Life Spine
H.S. Crocker
Huntley steps up - Culvers