Illinois employers have been extremely challenged over the last two weeks with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association remains the leading information resource for our state’s manufacturers and our staff is working diligently to provide timely and accurate information in a rapidly evolving environment.
During this difficult time, the IMA is extending an offer to all Illinois manufacturers to receive the Morning Digest and IMA Member Alerts free of charge through June 30, 2020. If you know a manufacturer that is not currently a member of the IMA, please ask them to
sign up here
to be added to our communication updates so that we can advocate, inform, and support them during this pandemic.
We want to help the entire Illinois manufacturing community.
Governor JB Pritzker has issued twenty executive orders over a three-week period of time impacting Illinois residents and businesses including the “stay-at-home” order that took effect on Saturday, March 21 and has now been extended through Thursday, April 30. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association secured the “essential manufacturing” designation allowing the majority of manufacturers along with their supply chain and distributors to continue operating.
At the request of Governor Pritzker, I am co-chairing the Essential Equipment Task Force with our partner John Conrad at the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization to help Illinois procure important equipment and supplies needed for this battle. I’m heartened by the overwhelming response from IMA members and companies across Illinois who are stepping forward to help meet this challenge.
The IMA and our team are engaging every single day with the Governor’s Administration, Chicago City Hall, and our federal officials and agencies to advocate for the manufacturing sector and make sure that your voice is heard. With passage of three federal economic stimulus packages, and subsequent action at the state level (and in the City of Chicago), there are a number of programs that are available to manufacturers and other businesses.
Below is a comprehensive list of programs and guidance that are currently available for employers –
many of which have been or will start taking applications on Friday, April 3 including the
Paycheck Protection Program
. The PPP is a forgivable loan program for small employers designed to keep workers on the payroll. Businesses can apply through an existing SBA 7a lender or through any federally insured bank, credit union, or other participating institution. This is a first-come, first-serve program for businesses with less than 50 employees with funds available for payroll, medical, mortgage, rent, utility, and other costs.
The IMA encourages your company to review and apply for any and all of the programs for which your company qualifies.
Please click here for a guide
with more information that was prepared with assistance from our partners at the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
Federal and State Programs
Aid to All Businesses
Illinois State Agency Resources
