The City of Centralia has announced another $120,000 in direct payments to small businesses within the city limits will be available through the 2nd round of the Local CURE Grant. The program is designed to help businesses that have experienced significant disruption or temporary closure of their business attributable to the COVID-19 public health emergency from March 1st to December 30th of last year.
Centralia Economic Development Director and Assistant City Manager Derek Sherman says the goal of the fund is to stabilize and fortify small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Award payments will not need to be paid back to the city unless the recipient permanently ceases operations or sell substantially all its assets within three months of payment award date.
Targeted businesses and industries include restaurants and bars, businesses within the tourism and hospitality industry, spas and salons, retail stores, non-profits. Small businesses are considered privately owned or sole proprietor businesses that have 1 to 49 employees. A qualifying business includes self-employed individuals, non-profit organizations, and independent contractors.
The minimum grant award amount is $10,000 and the maximum is $25,000. Applications are being taken before the Illinois Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity approval due to the limited timeframe DCEO is allowing the city to receive applications. As of this date, the city cannot guarantee funds will be distributed to applications.
Sherman is also providing assistance to small business owners in applying for the small business association’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund. You can contact Sherman for more information and assistance at dsherman@cityofcentralia.org or by calling (618) 533-7623.
