Gurnee Business Partner:

This week, Governor Pritzker announced a new COVID-19 Mitigation plan [here]. Among other things, the Plan increases the number of reopening regions from four to 11, which are based on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) 11 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regions. Notably, Chicago is now its own region and the collar counties have been divided into smaller subsets.  Lake County and McHenry County are paired in the North Suburban – Region #9.  As with the original Restore Illinois plan, regions can move between phases independently.  The Lake County Data Hub is found here, and McHenry County Department of Health site is here.

Business Resources

Monday, July 20, 11:59PM is the deadline for submittal of Lake County Small Business Grant applications.   Selection will be random from among eligible applicants.  Grant funds, capped at $30,000 per business, are intended to cover approximately four months of occupancy costs.   Application materials are available at lakecountyil.gov/forward.  For additional information please:

• submit your question HERE and you’ll receive a reply within four business hours
• or join the interactive webinar:
            July 20, 8:30 a.m.
            Join Link
            Meeting ID: 921 0926 0251
            Password: 626422
            Call in Number: 1-312-626-6799

On July 21, at 10:00AM, the Illinois Manufacturers Association will be hosting a virtual roundtable featuring a panel of several Lake County legislators and economic development professionals.  Register now to join this group for an insightful discussion on the business impacts of COVID-19.

Through August 8, businesses have another opportunity to apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.  Lake County Partners, the economic development agency of Lake County, recently hosted a PPP loan forgiveness webinar for over 200 business leaders.  Review the presentation or watch the webinar for helpful tips on this step of the process. 

Thank you for all you do for Gurnee!

Sincerely,

Ellen K. Dean
Economic Development Director