Business Assistance Programs

SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new Restaurant Revitalization Fund, established through the American Rescue Plan Act, to assist restaurants and other eligible businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic downturn. The program will provide funding of up to $10 million per business, but 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. 

The following business classifications are eligible for funding:

  • 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

 Click here to receive email alerts from the SBA as additional information becomes available.

Illinois Restaurant Association Restaurant Employee Relief Grant

The Illinois Restaurant Association has recently opened the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, a program of the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF). The fund provides one-time grants of $500 to support restaurant employees facing an unforeseen hardship due to COVID-19. Grants will help cover basic living expenses such as rent, food and utilities. This fund allows IRAEF to give back to the employees at the heart of the restaurant community. Employees may apply here.

Small Business Customer Assistance Program

As of December 16, 2020, ComEd is accepting applications for small business assistance that would provide one-time grants of up to $2,000 to cover past-due ComEd balances. Grants would be applied to a business’ bill in 2021, if it meets all qualifications. Eligible customers may also place a remaining balance into a payment plan of up to six months. To apply for the Small Business Assistance Program, please call 1-877-426-6331

 More information can be found here:  https://www.comed.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/SmallBusinessAssistanceProgram.aspx 

COVID-19 Bill Assistance Program for Small Businesses

On November 11, 2020, ComEd announced a new bill-assistance program to help eligible small businesses facing financial difficulties. Small-business customers that are past due on their energy bills can be provided a one-time grant equal to 30 percent of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000), for a limited time. Customers whose electric service has not been disconnected can then set up their remaining balance due on a payment plan of up to six months.

Small-business customers can visit ComEd.com/SmallBizAssistance or call 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331) to learn more or apply for the Small Business Assistance Program.

SBA Loans

Under the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, low-interest loans of up to $2 million may be obtained by qualified applicants from small businesses and private non-profits affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Information on US SBA loans for disaster recovery from the Civil Unrest earlier this year (May 26, through July 30, 2020) is available here: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (PDF); 10/15/20 SBA News Release (PDF).

If you need immediate assistance, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration or contact them by email.  

COVID-19 Signage Toolkit For Businesses

As Illinois communities begin to reopen, the DuPage County Health Department has developed a signage toolkit to support businesses as they promote safe practices.

Businesses are encouraged to download the artwork and print flyers, posters, window clings, and floor decals to meet their needs. Information can be found here: Toolkit

City Water and Sewer Service

Warrenville businesses may be facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 related closures or reduction of operations. Contact the Finance Department at 630-393-5753 to discuss payment plan options.