Over $1 million dollars in grant money has been distributed to Urbana businesses to help alleviate the hit they’ve taken during the pandemic. The grants came from several sources. From the press release:
Hospitality Emergency Grant Program
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program to help hospitality businesses make ends meet in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are used to support working capital, like payroll and rent, job training, and technology to support shifts in operations including increased use of carry out and delivery.
- Rose Bowl Tavern
State of Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG) – Round 1 and Round 2
The BIG program was developed to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. An initial “Round 1” of funding was directed to restaurants, personal care services, gyms and fitness clubs, and businesses. “Round 2” of BIG provided relief for all types of small businesses, with a particular focus on downstate businesses.
Round 1 Recipients:
- Amara Yoga & Arts
- Baldarotta’s
- Broadway Food Group
- BBQ Premium Chicken
- Merry-Ann’s Diner
- Bab Plus Korean Restaurant
- Cafeteria & Co/Sipyard
- Basil Thai
- Urbana Gardens Restaurant
- Wood N Hog
- H2o Salon
Round 2 Recipients:
- Bunny’s Tavern
- Blackbird (NOLAS)
- Rose Bowl Tavern
- Masijta Grill
- Memory Lane Photography
- Ricks Bakery
- Crane Alley
- Dancing Dog
- The Scotsman’s Kitchen
- Allied Mechanical Services
- Michelle’s Bridal
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG is a flexible program administered by Housing and Urban Development which provides funding to states. CDBG funds have helped with recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the business community. The CARES Act enabled additional HUD support to CDBG grantees.
- Art Coop
- Ashar African Market
- Baldarotta’s
- Best Western
- Bohemia
- Brittany’s Sweet Spot
- Ceptier
- C-U Adventures
- Dear 72
- Defy Gravity
- DP’s Beauty Supplies
- Econo Lodge
- Gracie Barra Champaign
- Judilee
- KoFusion
- La Mixteca
- Ms. Angis Hair
- Piato
- Po Boys
- Rose Bowl Tavern
- Serionix
- Shear Impressions
- Sipyard
- Soul Care
- Sugga Shaii Sweets
- Urbana Acupuncture
- Urbana Hair Lounge
- Wood N Hog
Photo by Anna Longworth.