U.S. Rep. Newman (IL-03) To Hold Virtual Small Business Town Hall To Connect Local Businesses With COVID-19 Relief And Supports

CHICAGO, IL – Today, U.S. Representative Marie Newman (IL-03) announced that she will be holding Illinois’ 3^rd Congressional District’s first-ever Virtual Small Business Town Hall as part of her latest effort to ensure local businesses have the resources and supports they need to not only survive this pandemic but thrive. In partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Congresswoman Newman will join SBA District Director Robert Steiner live on Facebook on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. CT to answer questions about COVID-19 relief for local businesses, restaurants and shops and connect them with  

“From mom-and-pop retailers to family-owned stores, more than 80% of all businesses in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District are small businesses. They are our families, friends and neighbors – and they need our help. As we work towards passing President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, I will continue to ensure the small businesses throughout Illinois’ 3^rd Congressional District are aware of the supports and resources available both today and in the near future so they can weather this storm and survive this devastating pandemic,” said Congresswoman Newman. “As a former small business owner, I know first-hand that grant and loan opportunities can make a life-changing difference for a business. It’s the difference between keeping your door open for business or not. That’s why I’m thrilled to be partnering with the local SBA to host this virtual town hall for our small businesses.” 

Congresswoman Newman currently serves on the House Small Business Committee. Earlier this month, she voted to approve legislation to provide small businesses with $50 billion in emergency aid to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill now goes to the House Budget Committee to be included in a comprehensive aid package. 

The bill includes provisions to: 

• Expand Paycheck Protection Program eligibility and increase program funding 
• Allocate $15 billion for the Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program 
• Provide $25 billion for a new program at the SBA offering assistance to restaurants and other food and drinking establishments. 
• Establish the Community Navigator pilot program to increase awareness of and participation in COVID-19 relief programs 
• Provide an additional $1.25 billion for the SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program 
• Appropriate $840 million for administrative costs to prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID–19 pandemic, including expenses related to PPP, aid to Venues, and grants to restaurants. 
• Fund $460 million for the disaster loan program 
• Allocate $25 million for SBA’s Office of Inspector General for oversight, to remain available until expended. 

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