Thursday, February 11, 2021 | View in browser
News and Events
 Illinois now operating under Phase 4 Guidelines
Effective Feb. 2, Illinois progressed to Phase 4 of the State’s “Restore Illinois” recovery plan. Phase 4 Guidelines include permitting indoor dining for parties of up to 10 people, with seating areas at least six feet apart.
Please continue to follow all public health guidelines, including practicing social distancing and wearing a face covering in public settings when distancing is not possible.
 Grant funds available for Evanston businesses
Applications for the City of Evanston's Entrepreneurship Support Emergency Assistance Grant Program 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. If you missed the recent webinar regarding the program and application process, the presentation slides are now available.
 Show your love for local this Valentine's Day!
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Still looking for that perfect gift or dining ideas? Evanston businesses have you covered for delicious dinners, flowers, chocolates, and more! Find special Valentine's Day menus and shopping guides with these lists from the Main-Dempster Mile, Downtown Evanston, Central Street, and Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Celebrate with Howard Street businesses and let Peckish Pig do the prep for you with an elegant take-and-bake Valentine's dinner, or enjoy live music, dinner and brunch specials all weekend at Good to Go Jamaican Restaurant. Find additional dining options in the Howard Street, Noyes, Maple Foster, Central Evanston, and West End business districts.
 Valentine's Day Drive-Thru: 1000 Feet of Love
On Valentine's Day this year, show your love to Evanstonians in need! Drive through or walk up to the Main-Dempster Mile's Valentine's Day Drive-Thru, where you can drop off non-perishable grocery items, hygiene items, or winter coats and pick up an empty bag from AMITA Health to fill with basic needs items. When you're done, warm up with a free hot chocolate!
 Follow your heart on Central Street this February
Central Street invites you to Follow Your Heart and share the love this February with local businesses all month long! Bring a heart decoration to a local business and receive a "passport" to enjoy 10% off at all participating businesses in February.
Celebrate and support local Black businesses!
In celebration of Black History Month this February, Downtown Evanston and the Black Business Consortium of Evanston North Shore partnered with local artist and designer Angela Williams to create this poster to support Evanston's Black businesses. Download a pdf copy or contact the City's Economic Development Division at economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org if you would like a poster delivered to your business.
 Evanston staple Hecky's Barbecue "Keeps Going"
Check out this great and inspiring Chicago Tribune article about Evanston institution Hecky's Barbecue in a series highlighting Chicago's Black-owned restaurants. Since opening almost 40 years ago, Hecky's has been a vital part of the Evanston business community.
 North Shore Restaurant Month - Takeout Edition!
Devour delicious dining deals from restaurants on Chicago's North Shore during North Shore Restaurant Month - Takeout Edition. Enjoy special discounts and complimentary items February 1-28. Check out offers at participating Evanston restaurants.
 Play the Evanston Winter Games all month long
The first-ever Evanston Winter Games have begun! Download the free Eventzee app to explore winter activities throughout the city, win prizes, and support local businesses. Each week a winner will receive a gift card to Gearhead Outfitters located in downtown Evanston. Visit evanstonwintergames.com to learn more, access the Eventzee app, and go for the gold!
SBA Guide to Calculate Max Loan Amount for First Draw PPP Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, is providing this updated guidance to assist businesses in calculating their payroll costs (and the relevant documentation that is required to support each set of calculations) for purposes of determining the maximum amount of a First Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for each type of business.
Amber Grant Program for Women
WomensNet founded the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998. The Foundation was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams. Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, giving away at least $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money. Apply here.
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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