Gurnee Business Partner:

Our community is thrilled to have you back in business!    Thank you for all you are doing to safely reopen and revitalize!   We are pleased to share the following updates and resources:

Lake County Small Business Recovery Grants

Effective today, through July 20, Lake County small businesses can apply online for a grant of up to $30,000 to fund up to four months of occupancy costs and COVID-19 related expenses.    All applications received by the deadline will be equally considered; there is no advantage to early submission.  Webinars on this new grant program will be offered July 8, 14, and 20; links available at lakecountyil.gov/forward.  

Eligibility criteria include:

• For-profit, incorporated businesses (excludes independent contractors)
• In business prior to 2/15/20
• <=$2.5 million annual revenue
• Must be able to document significant negative business impact from COVID-19

*preference given to businesses that have not received federal assistance (Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan)

Illinois Business Interruption Grants

Just a reminder that the application deadline is today at 5:00pm for this grant program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.  Full eligibility criteria and applications in English and Spanish are available here. 

Temporary Closure of Grand Avenue east of Skokie Highway (Route 41)

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that a full closure will take place on Grand Avenue east of Route 41 in order to erect steel beams for a new Union Pacific Railroad bridge.   Weather permitting, beginning at 7:00PM on Thursday, July 9, Grand Avenue will be fully closed at the UP tracks and traffic will be detoured to Skokie Highway, Washington Street, and Green Bay Road.   Work is expected to be completed by 5:00AM on Monday, July 13.  Traffic impact updates can be found here.

Gurnee’s Got It! – 102.3XLC Radio Show

Please be sure and tune in every Thursday morning at 7:30AM when 102.3XLC hosts, Wes & Leah, interview local Gurnee business owners and community leaders.   The listening audience for XLC is all of Lake County, into southern Wisconsin and northern Cook County, offering a wide audience to which the Village promotes shopping, dining, and recreating in Gurnee.    If you’re interested in being a guest or have an idea for the show, please contact me at edean@village.gurnee.il.us or 857.599.7574. 

Paycheck Protection Program

Over 600 Gurnee businesses received PPP loans as of June 30.   Loan and forgiveness details may be found here.  A revised (June 16) Loan Forgiveness Calculation form has been issued, along with instructions on how to complete it.

Thanks for all you are doing!  Please let us know how we can support your efforts.   Gurnee’s Got It!

Sincerely,

Ellen K. Dean

Economic Development Director

Village of Gurnee