Du Quoin slots filing up quickly for small business grants
There is room for a few more Du Quoin businesses to join Du Quoin's application for the Downstate Small Business Stabilization program, that provides working capital to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic crisis.
Many Du Quoin small businesses have been declared nonessential, and have closed up for the duration. Even the businesses that remain open, like restaurants, are not doing the business they normally do.
Jeff Ashauer, Du Quoin's economic development consultant, is writing individual applications for each Du Quoin business that qualifies. He said a single business could receive up to $25,000; the grants are calculated based on two months of a business's working capital.
Businesses that want to sign up need to reach Ashauer ASAP, at jashauer@msn.com or (618) 318-3983; and they will have several days to provide him the needed information.
Businesses that sign up will be invited to a virtual public hearing at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16 to talk about the program and ask questions.
To access the teleconference, call (408) 418-9388 and use access code 298-739-120. The password is dceo.
Illinois communities with fewer than 50,000 people have a pool of $20 million to draw from in this program. Larger cities have a different program.
"This is really meant for smaller communities," Ashauer said Monday.
The grants are akin to Community Development Block Grants, which are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
On Thursday, the Du Quoin city council declared the city to be in a state of financial emergency, which is expected to help local business owners acquire grants and loans available to them during the crisis.
"This is a rather extraordinary declaration," said city attorney Aaron Atkins. "This is something extra the council is doing to provide aid to businesses." He said the declaration will remain in place until the financial emergency ends or until it is terminated by the council.
Mayor Guy Alongi said the declaration is a show of support by the council and the citizens of Du Quoin for the business community.
"We felt we had not stepped up and showed our businesses how much we appreciate them in Du Quoin," Alongi said.
As of Monday afternoon, a number of Du Quoin business had applied: St. Nicholas Brewing Company; Zimmerman Chiropractic; Doc Z's Fitness; Doc Z's Sports; Zimmerman Buildings; Z Tanz; B Spills; Baked by Gene, LLC (dba Baked on Division); Chip Banks Chevrolet Buick Inc.; Michael Hurt (dba Sassafras Woodworking); Tawmi Bullar Conley; Francie's Bed and Breakfast; Alongi's Since 1933; Porter Auto LLC; Porter's Storage and RV Rentals, LLC; Du Quoin Recreation Center; Du Quoin Chiropractic Center; Wild Stylez; Webb Auto Sales; Gene Provart (dba Main Street T's); Isaac Davison DDS, LTD; Fenton's Custom Collision; Buttons 'n Bows Child Care Center; Longshore's Taekwondo; Burke Tool and Manufacturing Inc.; BJ Garden Inn Café; ALLSK8; Kalin's Café; Toler's Do-It-Best; Big S Transports; Brian's Auto Body; Sanddy's; Salon 13/Holly Kinney; Kim's Family Healthcare; Werner Financial; Kiddie Garden/Natalie R. Juhl; Marks Bakery; Ms. Tina's Daycare/Christina Fred; McIntire Electric; The James Trogolo Company; Robbie Tilley Jr. (dba RT Flooring); and SLP Corporation (dba LB's Place).