As daily life is changing for everyone in our local community during this global health crisis, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses by providing resources for a range of information and support. We understand the need for information and support, especially in times of uncertainty. The Evanston Chamber is still operating and we are here to help in any way. Please stay in touch!
Check this website, the Chamber’s Facebook page, and our LinkedIn company page for updated information about assistance that may be available, as well as ways our incredible community is working to creatively support one another during this time.
We are all in on navigating the future amidst COVID-19. Mayor Hagerty created the Evanston COVID-19 Task Force Partners to help with strategies and resources for Evanston businesses. The task force handling economic development includes the City of Evanston Economic Development division, The Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Evanston, The Main Dempster Mile and the Chicago NorthShore Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Local businesses and our commercial areas in general are facing the threat of significantly reduced foot traffic and sales, due to ever changing protocol and regulations regarding COVID-19. We’re living in unprecedented times, but for many, business must go on. As a small business owner, it’s hard to know where to turn and exactly how to proceed. This following list of resources for small businesses, as well as marketing strategies, will allow your business the opportunity to meet your consumers in the digital space.
Local Banks and Alternative Funding Sources
This Evanston Chamber e-blast includes links to local banks, as well as alternative lenders.
Evanston Business COVID-19 Resource Checklist
The Evanston COVID-19 Business Task Force checklist summarizes the private, federal, and state loans, grants, and tax credits available to address immediate economic impacts of COVID-19. Detailed descriptions and links cover options for payment deferrals, emergency funding, tax credits and alternative sources for funding.
IRS Tax Credit
The U.S. Treasury, IRS, and Labor Department announced a plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small- and mid-size businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave.
This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act), signed by President Drumpf on March 18, 2020. Read more >
SBA Illinois Disaster Loan Webinars
- Online training available for small businesses impacted by coronavirus See Small Business Events
SBA Small Business Loan Information
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Federal Level Assistance
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender Match Program Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small business with participating SBA-approved lenders
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Eligibility
State of Illinois Level Assistance
- IDES Unemployment Benefits for employees
- IDES Unemployment Insurance
- State of Illinois Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: FOR BUSINESS
Local Resources
- Evanston Edge: COVID-19 Resources City of Evanston Economic Development Division
- City of Evanston: COVID-19 FAQs Including information about city services and support for local businesses
- City of Evanston: General Assistance Program One of the more important criteria is that all available funds in a person’s bank account has to be exhausted.
Non-Profit Assistance
Corporate Assistance
- Grubhub suspends commissions for independently owned restaurants needing delivery service
- Free Xfinity Wifi Hotspots
- Facebook announces grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
