Benton is Open for Business

the Following Benton / West City area businesses are providing services either at their location or remotely.  Please call to confirm hours and availability. 
​Business and community working together for the greater good. 

Back to business

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​Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.
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Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. 
 
The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.

CORONAVIRUS  EMERGENCY  LOANS  GUIDE  AND  CHECK LIST

Public Health Officials Announce 2,049 New Cases of Coronavirus Disease​

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced 2,049 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 98 additional deaths.
- Cook County: 1 female 30s, 1 male 30s, 3 males 40s, 2 females 50s, 3 males 50s, 5 females 60s, 6 males 60s, 7 females 70s, 8 males 70s, 1 unknown 70s, 5 females 80s, 16 males 80s, 8 females 90s, 3 males 90s
- DuPage County: 1 female 70s, 1 female 80s, 2 male 80s, 2 females 90s
- Jefferson County: 1 male 60s
- Kane County: 2 males 50s, 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- Kankakee County: 1 female 90s
- Kendall County: 1 female 60s
- Lake County: 1 male 60s, 1 male 90s
- Macon County: 1 female 60s
- Madison County: 2 males 70s, 1 male 80s
- McHenry County: 1 female 70s, 1 male 80s
- Monroe County: 1 male 80s
- Rock Island County: 1 male 70s
- St. Clair County: 1 male 80s
- Will County: 1 male 50s, 1 male 60s, 1 male 70s, 1 female 80s, 1 male 90s
Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 35,108 cases, including 1,565 deaths, in 96 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to older than 100 years.
For all personal protective equipment (PPE) donations, email PPE.donations@illinois.gov. For health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email dph.sick@illinois.gov.
​*All data are provisional and will change. In order to rapidly report COVID-19 information to the public, data are being reported in real-time. Information is constantly being entered into an electronic system and the number of cases and deaths can change as additional information is gathered.  Information for a death previously reported has changed, therefore, today's numbers have been adjusted. 

Additional Reading

Restore Illinois Plan

bUSINESS rESOURCES

Who Qualifies?
​ unemployment application information
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Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program 
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Southern Illinois Eats - Regional List

student lunch info

BCHS
BENTON DISTRICT 47
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​SBA Disaster Loans

​Disaster Loans -The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/under-insured disaster damaged property. SBA disaster loans offer an affordable way for individuals and businesses to recover from declared disasters.  
Website
Loans available to Non-Profits-including 501(c)6s
Losses due to COVID-19 Checklist

SCORE: Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub
3 Step Information Sheet
Contact Sheet
Fact Sheet
FAQ on Economic Disaster Loans
​ILLINOIS 'STAY AT HOME' RESOURCES - On Friday, March 20th, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-10 requiring all Illinoisans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The order prohibits things like visiting the homes of friends and holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential establishments, including most retail, recreation and entertainment businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. For more Information:

COVID-19 Website- Launched a new website [coronavirus.illinois.gov] to provide Illinois residents with information on the state’s response to COVID-19 as well as additional resources available throughout the state. The website centralizes breaking updates from state government, prevention and preparation tips, frequently asked questions and resources from public health experts.COVID-19 Website- Launched a new website [coronavirus.illinois.gov] to provide Illinois residents with information on the state’s response to COVID-19 as well as additional resources available throughout the state. The website centralizes breaking updates from state government, prevention and preparation tips, frequently asked questions and resources from public health experts.

​ARTICLES

Strategies to Help Your Business in the Wake of Social Distancing

Here's the difference between an 'essential' business and a 'nonessential' business as states and cities announce coronavirus-related closures

​Responding to the Coronavirus: Insurance Policies That May Respond

​COVID-19 Implications for Commercial Lease