PARK FOREST – With the holidays inching closer and businesses still struggling to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging residents to shop locally throughout the holiday season this year.

“Local businesses are the heart of our community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has put a major strain on them,” Joyce said. “As we continue the fight against COVID-19, we cannot leave these businesses behind. I encourage residents to support our small business community however they can to help them weather this storm.”    

As people begin their holiday shopping, Joyce is reminding residents that supporting small doesn’t just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can support small businesses through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying a gift card for a friend.

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can still support local businesses by following their social media, recommending them to friends and leaving positive reviews.

PARK FOREST – Businesses and organizations in Kankakee, Cook and Will Counties are among the 1,200 recipients of more than $46 million in Business Interruption Grants (BIG) prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Friday.

“COVID-19 has been especially hard on our small business community these past few months,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to learn businesses in our community have taken advantage of this program, and with funds still available, I encourage all eligible businesses to apply for grants.”

Twenty businesses in the district Joyce represents received a combined $490,000. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 to be used to help cover the costs of payroll, rent, utilities and other working capital during the time they have experienced interruptions due to the pandemic.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded the grants this week, as part of the second round of the BIG program. However, applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent.

KANKAKEE – As small businesses face financial uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging business owners to apply for a Business Interruption Grant (BIG). 

“Small businesses form the core of our community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it extremely difficult for some to survive,” Joyce said. “I encourage folks that have suffered significant losses to apply for aid through the BIG program to help them through these challenging times.” 

In this round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities and other operational costs.

The BIG program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The program uses federal funds provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.

PARK FOREST – As flu season approaches, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), State Representative Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights), and State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Olympia Fields) will co-host a drive-up flu shot clinic Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 3-6 p.m. in the parking lot of Freedom Hall, located at 410 Lakewood Blvd. in Park Forest.

“Getting a flu shot is an easy way for Illinoisans to protect themselves and their families from the flu,” Joyce said. “This drive-up clinic will make getting a flu vaccine easier and more convenient for folks, while abiding by IDPH’s health guidelines.”

The lawmakers are partnering with Walgreens to host the clinic, which will be held outdoors in a drive-up format to allow appropriate social distancing. Masks will still be required, and safety precautions will be in place to promote a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Participants are required to bring their insurance card and photo ID to receive a flu shot.  

"With winter approaching, it's important we are prepared, like getting an annual flu shot,” DeLuca said. “It will help keep ourselves and our family safe and healthy.”