Small businesses are getting more assistance from the government after a new business grant got approved. State Senator Andy Manar announced the first phase of funding for small business assistance through the Business Interruption Grant program or BIG. The BIG program provides financial assistance to business communities that were hit hardest by COVID-19 related closures. 

A total of $790,000 will be distributed to local businesses including $30,000 to Assumption and $20,000 to Taylorville.  The first rounds were disbursed last week.

Senator Manar says that this is something that can create solutions for the problems that COVID-19 has left. “The Business Interruption Grant program is an example of what is possible when legislators do their job and create tangible solutions to the problems facing our state. Government is supposed to work for those we represent first and foremost, and I’m proud that we are doing everything possible at the state level to help our small business community stay afloat.”

To see a full list of 48th District businesses that have received grant money, click here.