Small-Business Assistance Programs offers one-time grants and flexible payment options

CHICAGO (Nov. 11, 2020) – With many restaurants, bars, retailers and other small businesses across northern Illinois struggling to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic, ComEd today announced a new bill-assistance program to help eligible small businesses facing financial difficulties.

“Small and family-owned businesses are the backbone of our communities. When they struggle, our neighborhoods struggle.” said ComEd CEO Joe Dominguez. “By offering a new bill- assistance option targeting small and family-owned businesses, we hope to do our part to ensure that the businesses that we all love and depend upon continue to be a part of our lives.”

ComEd’s Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small-business customers that are past due on their energy bills with a one-time grant equal to 30 percent of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) for a limited time. Customers whose electric service has not been disconnected can then set up their remaining balance due on a payment plan of up to six months.

Small-business customers can visit ComEd.com/SmallBizAssistance or call 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331) to learn more or apply for the Small Business Assistance Program.

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CHICAGO – This week marks the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is encouraging Chicagoans to participate in local apprenticeships.

“For years, this week has always been a time for workers to promote growth in business and employment,” Van Pelt said. “This year, as millions struggle with unemployment, I encourage people to use this time to explore training options and learn a new skill.”

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CHICAGO – To help businesses across the state overcome financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to see dozens of businesses in the 5th District will receive over a million dollars in Business Interruption Grants (BIG).

“Businesses are still struggling as we continue to endure this pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “I hope these grants help give businesses on the West Side a boost, and for those who haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.”

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White encourages renewing online

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that expirations for license plate stickers are set to end Nov. 1, 2020. License plate stickers can easily be renewed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Driver’s licenses and ID cards remain extended until Feb. 1, 2021.

“I encourage the public to renew their license plate sticker online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com from the comfort on their own home,” White said. “Online renewals for license plate stickers have skyrocketed since June 1, and if you pay with an e-check, the payment processing fee is waived through the end of the year.”

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