Woodstock announces up to $300K in grants for bars, restaurants hit by COVID-19 mitigations

Woodstock officials Thursday evening announced that the city plans to provide grants to local bars and restaurants that apply in an effort to help provide financial relief after the state ordered establishments to end indoor dining and drinking Saturday because of an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the number of applicants and based on the business’ documented loss of income from March to September compared with the same period last year, according to a city news release.

Funds for the city’s program have been awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity based on an application by the city, according to the release. The state funding is provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The city was given notice of a preliminary grant award of $300,000 to fund the program, which will be added to the $200,000 available from the city through the state’s Local CURE program, according to a Thursday letter from Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager.

“The city could not be more concerned about the continued mitigation limitations imposed by the governor’s office and their dramatic effect on our vital eating and drinking establishments,” Sager said in the release.

“City staff is working tirelessly to offer both financial and physical assistance to our business community to the maximum degree possible. We encourage all community members to likewise do whatever they can to continue patronizing our wonderful businesses during this critical time in their survival while maintaining responsible health and safety measures.”

Sager in the letter also encouraged residents to try to order takeout from Woodstock restaurants at least once a week to help support the businesses during the mitigations meant to slow the pandemic.

The grant application window opened Friday afternoon and will be available on the city's website at www.woodstockil.gov with instructions for completion. It must be returned by email to Terry Willcockson at twillcockson@woodstockil.gov with the required documentation no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 18.

Awards will be distributed to qualified applicants the week before or after Thanksgiving, according to the release.

For information, email Woodstock Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson at ganderson@woodstockil.gov or Willcockson at twillcockson@woodstockil.gov.