The City of Chicago has begun accepting application for the $10 million Chicago Hospitality Grant Program. Announced by Mayor Lightfoot last week as part of an emergency hospitality relief package, this program will provide grants of $10,000 each to Chicago bars and restaurants that have been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The application will remain open until 11:59 pm central time on Monday, November 23rd and citywide recipients will be selected via lottery, with a portion reserved for businesses in low- and moderate-income Community Areas. To be eligible, bars or restaurants must be located in Chicago, have no more than $3 million in annual revenues and have experienced at least a 25% revenue loss due to COVID-19. For the full list of eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions and to apply, visit chicago.gov/hospitalityfund.

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The National Urban League and PepsiCo joined forces to create the Black Restaurant Accelerator, which will boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years. The PepsiCo Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to fund the program, which will provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to capital, training, mentorship and other support services that are necessary for business success.

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To provide immediate aid to eligible customers most in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ComEd announces a new program, Helping Hand. For a limited time, this financial-assistance program provides an additional one-time grant of up to $300 to help low-income residential customers, and those who express financial hardship, reduce past-due balances.

“As the number of COVID-19 cases increases throughout northern Illinois, we understand that the pandemic continues to create significant financial hardship for many of our customers,” said ComEd CEO Joe Dominguez. “That’s why we continue to evaluate and find new ways – like our new Helping Hand program – to support customers and communities most in need.”

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