Business & Tech
Joliet CCP Establishes Emergency Grant for Downtown Businesses
The application period ends on Friday, April 24 at 5pm.
Relief is on the way for a number of businesses in the Joliet area. The Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP) announced the Emergency Retailer/Restaurant Grant, which is a new grant to support businesses in the City Center Special Service Area (SSA) that have experienced financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our City Center restaurants and retailers are the heart of downtown Joliet and we’re thrilled to be able to give them a bit of hope and support through this grant,” said Lauren Las, Marketing and Event Manager at the CCP. “The entrepreneurs who have invested their time and money and passion into this city have faced these recent challenges with resiliency and innovation and we hope this grant can be a lifeline for them.”
The grants will cover 50% of eligible expenses accrued from March 16, 2020 through April 17, 2020, up to a maximum amount of $2,500. The use of funds is flexible and intended to aid in helping businesses pay employees and cover operating expenses. $100,000 has been set aside by the CCP for disbursement. Eligible applicants must operate a brick-and-mortar business within the City Center Special Service Area that was in operation the day before state required restaurant closures on March 15, 2020. Eligible businesses must adhere to the following requirements:
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· Generate sales-tax as a result of the primary function of business
· Being in good standing with the City of Joliet
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· Commit to using the grant to remain in operation
To apply, applications can be downloaded from the CCP website. The applications and grant guidelines are available in both English and Spanish. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and applicants will be notified of their grant status on Wednesday, April 29. Funds will be disbursed one to two weeks after applicants are notified. For additional questions regarding the grant, contact Lauren Las at lauren.las@jolietdowntown.com.
According to the CCP, funds for this grant program were repurposed from an earlier established Beautification Grant program. All funding for this grant and other CCP grants comes from a special property tax intended to generate funding for economic development, marketing, public improvements, and special events related to Downtown Joliet. City Center businesses have been paying into the SSA for years through this special tax and the grants are akin to temporarily returning their investment in their time of need.
The Joliet City Center Partnership was first established in the 1980s to preserve existing structures with architectural and historical value and to also revitalize the downtown area. The CCP not only promotes existing businesses but also unites the community through a variety of family-friendly events in the City Center.
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