Paycheck Protection Program Application Now Available from U.S. Treasury; Economic Impact Payments Coming in Next Three Weeks
The U.S. Treasury Department has posted the application form and guidance for qualified businesses impacted by COVID-19 to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses can apply for the program starting Friday, April 3 .

Click here for a fact sheet for borrowers.

Click here to download the application form.

In the weeks immediately after the passage of the CARES Act, Americans will see fast and direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. 

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples . Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

Click here for more information on Economic Impact Payments.
Illinois Stay at Home Order To Be Extended to April 30 - Restaurant Carry Out, Delivery Will Still Be Permitted
Governor Pritzker has announced he will extend the state of Illinois' stay at home order until April 30, bringing Illinois in line with the federal government's latest recommendations.

The Governor has said he intends to sign an extension of the stay-at-home order today, while also extending his statewide disaster declaration. Click here to read the press release.

Read more from Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago .
Questions about CARES Act, SBA Loans, Paycheck Protection, and More? Visit the IRA COVID-19 Legal Network Webpage
The IRA team continues to work around the clock to provide all forms of necessary relief and guidance to Illinois restaurants and their team members during this crisis. 

Several IRA member lawyers are donating their time to speak with  restaurant owners and operators   about COVID-19 legal issues and developments, and to assist in pointing members in the right direction during these unfolding times.  

Click here   to visit the IRA Legal Network webpage and list of participating attorneys.
Pilot Light Launches Family Meal - Foodservice Professionals Wanted
With schools closed, Pilot Light is looking for ways to bring food education into the homes of children across the country. This week Pilot Light launched Family Meal — a series of educational cooking videos designed for parents and children to watch together.

Pilot Light is looking for food and hospitality professionals interested in sharing their love of food by filming easy-to-follow, food education cooking videos and creating recipes for families during this unprecedented time. 

Through the generous support of an anonymous donor, professionals interested in videoing short, three-to-five minute cooking videos from their homes will receive $500 for their time.

If you are interested in participating in the program, please complete this application by Friday, April 3.
Mariano's Meet Ups - Online Cooking Classes and More
Mariano’s has launched Mariano’s Meet Ups , an online platform for cooking classes, wine tastings, mixology sessions, live Chicago-style music and more.

Featuring interactive classes and demonstrations from local chefs and sommeliers, as well as Mariano’s Tastemakers like Belinda Chang, Tony Priolo and Todd Stein, customers can learn tips and tricks for preparing meals and cocktails during this time of shelter in place and social distancing. Mariano’s will post the grocery list in advance of the cooking classes so customers can engage and learn how to prepare the dishes and drinks with the experts.

Click here to learn more.
Please visit our website for the latest coronavirus updates, in addition to the above resources and information for your business - updated as of 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 1.