Thursday, January 14, 2021 | View in browser
News and Events
Paycheck Protection Program Resumes
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Borrowers can now apply for a First or Second Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021 or until funds have been exhausted. Find a list of Illinois SBA approved lenders here or find a qualified PPP lender using the SBA Lender Match.
Eligibility and maximum loan amount for Second Draw PPP loans:
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses
- Has no more than 300 employees
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020
- Food service and accommodation businesses (NAICS code 72) may apply for up to 3.5 times their average monthly payroll costs, all other businesses may still only apply for 2.5 months
Download the following PPP borrower application forms to see the information that will be requested from you when you apply with a lender:
For additional information on loan details, visit the SBA website.
Upcoming webinars on the PPP rollout
Join Backline Business Consulting Wed., Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. for webinar on repayment terms and interest rates, key differences between the various resources, how the funds can be used and how to apply for forgiveness as well as next steps for new rounds of funding. There will also be a Q & A session. Register here.
Join the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Small Business Majority for a webinar Thurs., Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. to learn more about the rollout of PPP and when your small business may be eligible to apply. Register here.
Entrepreneurship Support Emergency Assistance Grant Program workshop January 19
The amended guidelines for the Entrepreneurship Support Emergency Assistance Grant Program have been extended through 2021 and applications are now being accepted. This program grants up to $2,500 in assistance for small businesses located in Evanston.
Funding is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the Entrepreneurship Support Program Emergency Guidelines before applying. An application workshop will be held on Tues., January 19, at 2 p.m. Registration is required.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqdO6opjsjGd0qm8MJccNOJgF_CltcAYdS
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with virtual events
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, join a panel of young, gifted, Black Evanstonians for a thoughtful conversation about the history and future of civil and human rights in Evanston and America. Tune in to the broadcast on Mon., Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. on Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s Facebook Page or YouTube Channel.
Enjoy a live-streamed concert at Nichols Concert Hall, a virtual presentation hosted by AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital, Northwestern's candlelight vigil, and more.
'Navigating the Job Search' virtual series begins January 21
The Evanston Public Library (EPL) is joining other local libraries in bringing the Navigating the Job Search virtual series to those seeking employment. Attendees will learn skills centered around resumes and cover letters, networking through services such as LinkedIn, and virtual interviewing.
Registration is required for the four, free upcoming programs and can be found on the events calendar at epl.org or at the links provided below. The sessions will be hosted on the Skokie Public Library’s Zoom channel.
The Evanston Public Library is committed to helping residents who are seeking employment, developing job skills or changing professions. More information can be found at epl.org/jobseekers.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant webinar today
Join this webinar Thurs., January 14 at 2 p.m. for a preliminary overview of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program included in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. Eligible organizations with a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive up to a $10 million grant under the program. In total, the Economic Aid Act allocates $15 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. This webinar will provide introductory information about the grants, who can apply, how potential organizations can prepare, and other details such as eligibility and applications. Register.
Central Street Insidewalk & Curbsidewalk Sale
Get ready for Central Street's annual Insidewalk & Curbsidewalk Sale January 14 through 16! Don't miss out on extra savings on fall and winter clearance items. Shop safe in-store or shop online for curbside pick-up (varies at each business). Check out all the great sales and find more information at centralstreet-evanston.com/insidewalksale.
Get cozy with Downtown Evanston!
Get HYGGE with Downtown Evanston throughout January and February! Pronounced "hue-gah," this Danish expression is an attitude towards life that emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments. Rather than drudge through the winter, hygge is about celebrating coziness, warmth and family, as well as practicing mindfulness.
Downtown Evanston is organizing a series of virtual hygge events in January and February because let's face it, we can all use a little more cozy and warmth and calming activities this year! Local businesses will host a range of special events online such as beading and wine tastings, knitting lessons, candle-making, baking and more - to promote the idea of coziness, mindfulness and overall well-being. For more information on events visit downtownevanston.org/hyggefest.
MDM Queen's Gambit Fashion Challenge
The Queen's Gambit is inspiring more than just chess! Take the Main-Dempster Mile challenge to recreate the fabulous fashions of Beth Harmon. These looks can be recreated right here in Evanston, on any budget.
Use what you have in your closet, or check out Evanston's amazing thrift stores Classy Consignment, Stepping Out on Faith, YWCA Crowded Closet, Minouchic Boutique, and Junior League of Evanston-North Shore to create your perfect outfit.
Submit a photo to the Facebook page or by email to katherine@maindempstermile. Winner will receive a $25 gift card!
Keep Evanston's sidewalks safe this winter
The Economic Development Department would like to remind businesses and residents to keep sidewalks clear during the snow season.
Business owners (or the landlord) are required to shovel walkways and are encouraged to use salt, sand, or ice melt to keep sidewalks clear. The City does not clear snow from sidewalks in business districts.
Thanks for working together to keep Evanston sidewalks safe and accessible during the cold weather.
LEND offering zero interest small business loans
Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND), a student-run, microfinance organization, is providing zero percent interest loans to small businesses in Evanston. Visit their website for the application and to learn more about their lending process.
New Comast RISE program to help small business
The new Comcast RISE initiative is designed to strengthen small independent Black and underrepresented group-owned businesses hit hard by COVID-19 by providing grants, marketing and technology upgrades (including media campaigns and connectivity), computer and voice equipment, and free marketing insights. Learn more about the resources offered through this program here.
ComEd Small Business Assistance Program
The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, whose service has not been disconnected, with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) that will be applied to the past due balance and the remaining balance can be spread over a payment plan of up to six months.
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