More than 20 small businesses in Naperville were awarded state-administered grants meant to help merchants hurt by Illinois’ stay-at-home order during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 23 Naperville businesses that received the grants, which range from $10,000 to $20,000, include nail and hair salons, fitness centers and gyms and restaurants, among others.
More than 2,600 small businesses across the state were awarded a combined $46 million in grants through the Business Interruption Grant program, administered by the state, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website shows. The money is intended to help small businesses that had to close or experienced losses due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order and corresponding guidelines.
Businesses eligible for the first round of grants included restaurants and bars, barbershops and salons, gyms and fitness centers and small businesses in communities facing severe economic distress, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website shows.
Grant recipients can use the grant money for payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary new challenges for our local small businesses,” said Democratic state Sen. Laura Ellman, of Naperville, in a news release. “So many of these businesses have worked hard to follow new guidelines, so I’m thrilled to see so many are receiving these well deserved grants.”
A second round of grants expected to total $270 million will help childcare providers, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website shows.
Grants were awarded to the following Naperville businesses:
Abhyaasa Yoga
Acceleration Sports Performance
Elate Salon
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Ellie Hair salon
Eugenija’s Hair Design
Ma Tea House
Midwest Badminton Club
Players Indoor Sports Center
Park Jun Hair Salon
Service Nail
Ultimate Ninjas Naperville
Lisa Rene Hair Design
World Champion TaeKwonDo
Yamada Sushi & Poke
A La Folie
America’s Sweetheart Nails Spa
Aura Spa & Massage
Title Boxing Club
Paris Bistro
Noodles Pho U Naperville
Rose on Maple Inc.
Subway Sandwiches
Avolve Fitness