Restaurant Grant
State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford and GoRockford announced the launch of a $1.5 million state-funded grant program. The funding will provide vital relief to restaurants in Rockford and Winnebago County that suffered skyrocketing unemployment insurance rates resulting from state-mandated closures during the first quarter of 2021. GoRockford will serve as the grant administrator, overseeing the application and distribution of funds to eligible restaurants in Winnebago County.
“Rockford and Winnebago County restaurants were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and unfortunately the impact of the pandemic has continued to follow them because they followed the rules. With this grant program, we're taking meaningful steps to support those who diligently followed closure mandates in 2021, remain operational to this day, and have been facing increased unemployment insurance rates,” Rep. Maurice West said. “This assistance will help ensure the resilience and vitality of our restaurant industry, a cornerstone of our community's culture and economy.”
The second round application window is now closed. Applicants will be contacted in late September on the status of their application.
GoRockford reserves the right, in its sole judgement, to reject any application. It will consider applications and make awards in keeping with agreements made by and between GoRockford and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the use of funds for their intended purposes. Information provided in this news release and via other means is intended to be informational and may not include all grant requirements or parameters under consideration.
Contact for More Information:
restaurantgrant@gorockford.com
Second Round Grant News Release
Second Round Award News Release
Grant Help Sessions
View the grant help sessions below for guidance on the required information and documentation and address any other questions restaurant owners may have.
