The City of Rochelle is thrilled to announce a new grant program to support small business in our community. “Restart Rochelle” will offer businesses deemed ‘non-essential’ by the Governor’s Stay Home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic up to $5,000 to cover costs such as rent, utilities and insurance incurred while the business is closed.
“Our small businesses are a critical piece of the local economy,” said Mayor John Bearrows. “Putting money in the hands of our entrepreneurs to cover the costs that haven’t gone away during the pandemic is just one way we can help.”
Qualifying businesses are those with fifteen or less employees, including the owner, with a brick-and-mortar location within Rochelle’s City limits.
“We saw the need for a local program when many of our small businesses were unable to receive federal funding during the closure,” said City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh. “Businesses receiving this local grant will not have to repay the money to the City.”
Grant proceeds may be utilized to cover the costs of rent or mortgage payments, insurance, inventory, payroll, personal protective equipment and utilities.
A simple application may be completed here: Application
A team of City staff will review applications and make awards as quickly as possible. A total of $200,000 is available for the program until depleted.