TOGETHER WE’LL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE.

TOGETHER WE’LL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE.

Downtown Elgin Small Business Covid-19 Adaptation Grant

This Downtown Elgin Small Business Covid-19 Adaptation Grant Fund was created by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin to help local small businesses make necessary changes to adapt to current challenges and a post Covid-19 realty. Two rounds have been completed and 16 grants have been awarded to local businesses and organizations in Downtown Elgin.

Experts stress the importance of well implemented technology tools and systems such as an interactive website, ecommerce platforms, and minimal contact customer service options for businesses to effectively operate during and post Covid-19. However, a nationwide small business survey reported that up to 60% of small businesses do not currently have a website. With months of stay-at-home orders and lost revenues due to Covid-19, it has become even more difficult for businesses to make these necessary investments and upgrades to continue doing businesses effectively or to re-open when allowed to do so.

This fund will help small businesses overcome this barrier. Additional donors are encouraged to donate to this important fund to help make a lasting positive impact on small businesses in Downtown Elgin.

FUNDING

The DNA organization was fortunate to receive $3,175 in donations during the “Giving Tuesday Now” campaign held in early May 2020. Those funds were used to launch the Small Business Covid-19 Adaptation Grant. DNA allocated an additional $10,000 from their general operating fund which was matched by the City of Elgin. Additional funding is currently being sourced from local businesses and personal donors. Individuals, businesses or philanthropic organizations interested in contributing to this fund who have additional questions, please email our donation team here. If you are ready to show your support now please donate here.

EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE USAGE

The Covid-19 Adaptation Grant will assist Downtown Elgin businesses in making necessary investments to meet the new challenges brought on by Covid-19. Grant funds are intended for projects that will enhance a business’s ability to engage its customers, manage health and safety requirements, and operate effectively in order to pursue growth. Some examples of appropriate usage are:

  • New or upgraded websites
  • Virtual programing capability
  • Ecommerce platforms
  • CRM platforms with integrated marketing, customer engagement and automation
  • Software upgrades to enable pre-order and timed reservations
  • Delivery service implementation
  • Safety equipment and fixtures (plexiglass barriers, hand washing stations, protective masks, signage, etc.)

GRANT COMMITTEE

The DNA Grant Committee is comprised of a representatives from the DNA Board of Directors. The main objective for this committee is to review all grant applications and recommend grant recipients based on a set of specific scoring guidelines.

APPLICATION & DEADLINES

This grant has already gone through two rounds. If another round take place local businesses will be notified.

“This program has meant so much to us. After the devastation of COVID-19, our main focus was getting back to work while providing a safe environment for our clients. Having the ability to do that with the help of our city is beyond words. We have gotten so many comments from our clients on how pleased they were with the touchless appliances/sanitation stations. Our clients noted that they were relieved to be able to come into our space and see the items we were able to provide them to help with their safety and well being. Now, we can continue to do what we love to do in a safe way! We thank you so much for providing our business with this opportunity, we love our community and are so grateful that we get to continue serving them.”

Vida Yoga Downtown ElginKevin Castro, Vida Yoga & Fitness

“I would like to thank everyone at the DNA, the Board, the fantastic DNA employees who answered my many questions in regard to this grant, and those who donated to make this grant possible. We are thankful to get any assistance we can during this difficult time and we sincerely appreciate this grant. As a longtime business owner and Downtown Elgin resident, I appreciate all of the DNA’s efforts to help bolster our cities businesses and the process of making our downtown a great area to live, work and experience!!!”

Blue Box CafeChris Mau, Blue Box Cafe

THANK YOU DONORS

79 Ratio Elgin
Elgin Small Business Grant Fund
City of Elgin
DNA

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRANT RECIPIENTS

THANK YOU DONORS

79 Ratio Elgin
Elgin Small Business Grant Fund
City of Elgin
DNA

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin


31 S. Grove Avenue, Suite 100
Elgin, IL 60120
847-488-1456
info@DowntownElgin.com