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News and Events
Paycheck Protection Program Updates
On December 27, 2020, a new COVID-19 relief package was signed into law providing $900 billion in much-needed aid to individuals and businesses. More than $284 billion was allotted for a new round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding extended through March 31, 2021.
Key details and notable changes to the Paycheck Protection Program:
- Businesses with fewer than 300 employees are eligible for another draw of PPP provided they have exhausted their initial PPP funds and can demonstrate a 25% decrease in revenue in any quarter of 2020 over 2019
- 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
- Expanded permitted uses of loan funds include:
- Covered operations expenditures - payment for any software, cloud computing, and other human resources and accounting need
- Covered property damage costs - costs related to property damage due to public disturbances that occurred in 2020 not covered by insurance
- Covered supplier costs - expenditures to a supplier pursuant to a contract, purchase order, order for goods in effect prior to taking out the loan that are essential to recipient's operations
- Covered worker protection expenditure - personal protective equipment (PPE) and adaptive investments to help a loan recipient comply with federal health and safety guidelines or any equivalent state and local guidance related to COVID-19
- PPP second draw loans are forgivable when spent on eligible expenses (60% payroll/40% non-payroll) during covered period
- These provisions are retroactive to your previous PPP draw if you have not already applied and been granted forgiveness
- You must have been in business on February 15, 2020
- If you received an EIDL advance grant, it will no longer be reduced from the forgivable portion of your PPP draw
- Loans under $150,000 have a new simplified forgiveness process
- Expenses paid with PPP funds can be deducted from your taxes
For additional information, please visit the Small Business Administration's (SBA) website. Restaurants can find an industry specific summary from the National Restaurant Association. Contact your local lender for application information.
 Drink local, support local
Whether you're hunkering down to watch football this weekend, have a special occasion to celebrate, are attempting a recipe out of that cookbook you got for the holidays, or just looking for a way to support local businesses, remember we have world class beverage producers and purveyors right here in Evanston.
From award winning breweries and distilleries, including Temperance Beer Co, Sketchbook Brewing, Few Spirits, Peckish Pig, Smylie Brothers Brewing Company, and North Shore Cider Company; to specialty shops and boutique curators, including Wine Goddess, Vinic Wines, Vinissimo Wine Shop, Lush, and Beer on Central; to general purveyors, including Binny's Beverage Depot and Evanston 1st Liquors, Evanston has everything you need.
These local businesses need your support to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic, so they can continue to serve you after this crisis is over. Stop by their stores or patios, purchase gift cards, and visit their websites to check for special deals and upcoming events.
 Entrepreneurship Support Emergency Assistance Grant Program applications open
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.
 COVID-19 Loans and Grants Workshop Jan. 27
Join Jen Martensen, founder of Backline Business Consulting, Wed., January 27 at 8:30 a.m. to learn the ins and outs of PPP, EIDL and Business Interruption Grants. This free workshop will address questions regarding 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.
 Ring in 2021 with these fun activities around town
As we head into the new year, take advantage of some of these great opportunities highlighted by Better Chicago to get outside, support local restaurants, and enjoy local art events. Warm up this winter with a hot beverage from Firehouse Grill, Noir d’Ébène, or Belgian Chocolatier Piron, check out exhibits and events at Evanston Art Center, and commit to taking the Evanston Takeout Pledge!
 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!
 'Utilizing New Options for Generating Revenue' Webinar January 14
Join the Illinois Restaurant Association and panelists from Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen, 16” on Center, and US Foods for a webinar Thurs., January 14 at 10 a.m. providing operators with ideas for new or different options for generating revenue at your business now. Register.
Business Registration for Evanston businesses
In March, 2020, the City of Evanston replaced its business license requirement with a new business registration process. All businesses located in Evanston, including home-based, are required to register their business. Registration renewals for 2021 will now be due April 1.
The business registration changes include:
- Home-based business are required to register, but will not be charged registration fees
- All brick and mortar businesses located in Evanston must register, included state licensed businesses, and have a $75 annual registration fee
- Registrations for each year will be valid through March 31 with renewal payments due April 1
All new and existing businesses who have not already done so must complete the new online business registration form.
Complete the City's Vaccination Interest Form
Help the City better understand local vaccine demand and support ongoing planning and distribution efforts by completing Evanston’s Vaccination Interest Form. (View Spanish form.)
All individuals 16 years and older who live OR work in Evanston are encouraged to complete the form to receive regular updates on the vaccine process and when and where the vaccine will be available to them. This is not a vaccine registration form.
 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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