50 Businesses get COVID-19 Relief from Normal

Photo courtesy to the Town of Normal Facebook page 

NORMAL, Ill.- Fifty Normal businesses received grants totaling $450,000 from The Town of Normal’s Small Business Relief Program to assist with COVID-19 impacts.

“As a long-standing business owner, I know how important these funds are in sustaining many small businesses during these unprecedented times. I proudly support all efforts to bring financial assistance back to our community,” said Mayor Chris Koos.

The Town granted the money through the State’s Local CURE (Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency) Economic Support Grant Program, a federally funded effort from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

The Town opened applications for local businesses on Dec. 1.

“We had 67 businesses apply for grants,” said Eric Hanson, Assistant City Manager. “All told, they asked for $760,045 in assistance, more than $300,000 than we had to award.”

There were three grant categories: the Operational Assistance Grant, the Digital and Marketing Support Grant and the Business Modification Grant. 

Businesses could apply for up to $15,000 total, or $5,000 in each grant category. Grant awards ranged from a minimum of $807 to the $15,000 maximum. The average grant award was $9,000.

“I can’t thank the Town of Normal enough for administering this program. Staff was fantastic and smart to work with and made the details easier to gather,” said Kristin Moore, owner of Uptown Gifts. “We greatly appreciate all these efforts.”

 Restaurants received the highest allocation of funds.

Destihl Beer Hall, DP Dough, Los Potrillos, Moe’s Southwest Grill, The Original Pancake House, The Rock and Windy City Wieners recieved the most funds.