'Northbrook Strong' grant applications due Friday

In response to the widespread economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to assist local businesses to absorb the costs of reopening in a safe manner, the Village of Northbrook has established the "Northbrook Strong" Safe Reopening Grant Program for qualifying small businesses in the community.

The aim of the program is to help defray the costs associated with safely reopening businesses by reimbursing businesses for the unique expenses they had to incur in order to comply with the Governor's various Executive Orders associated with the various "Stay at Home" orders and the "Restore Illinois" phased reopening initiative.

A total of $250,000 has been allocated by the Village of Northbrook for the grant program.

The maximum amount of the grant is $2,000/business.

The grants are reimbursements to businesses for the costs associated with a safe reopening, including, but not limited to: Plexiglas shields, face masks for employees or customers, hand sanitizers, floor decals, and the purchase or rental outdoor tables, umbrellas, fencing or other equipment for outdoor dining areas.

Businesses applying for the grant must submit receipts or valid orders for services or merchandise associated with reopening expenses along with their grant application.

Eligible businesses must meet the applicable criteria established below:

1. Smaller "nonessential" retailers that were forced to be closed during the first phase of the pandemic are eligible for a grant. Qualifying nonessential retailers must meet the following:

-At least one store with a physical presence in Northbrook, and is located in a shopping area or commercially-zoned property in the Village of Northbrook (not a home occupation or simply an internet based business)

-The business has no more than four total stores, including the stores in the Village of Northbrook.

-The business has fewer than 25 full-time employees.

Because grocery stores and hardware stores were able to be open during the first phase of the pandemic, they are not eligible businesses.

2. Smaller restaurants and eating establishments that meet the following criteria are eligible for a grant:

-The restaurant or eating establishment must have at least one restaurant or eatery with a physical presence in the Village of Northbrook.

-The restaurant has no more than four restaurants owned and operated by the entity, including the restaurant or eatery in the Village of Northbrook.

-The restaurant is located in a shopping area or commercially-zoned property in the Village of Northbrook (not simply a catering operation).

3. Certain personal services, limited to hair salons, barber shops and nail salons are eligible for a grant, if they meet the following criteria:

-At least one salon or barber shop with a physical presence in Northbrook, and is located in a shopping area or commercially-zoned property in the Village of Northbrook (not a home occupation)

-The business has no more than four total salons, including the salons in the Village of Northbrook.

-The business has fewer than 25 full-time employees.

4. All eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:

-The business must have been operating in the Village of Northbrook during the week of February 1, 2020.

-The business must have a valid Village of Northbrook business license (if so required) and have no outstanding Village code violations.

-The first round of grants will be accepted through Friday, June 26.

A group comprised of members of the village staff will review all of the grant applications and determine which businesses are eligible and the amount of the grant that can be awarded.

Businesses that are to be awarded Northbrook Strong grants will be notified by the Village no later than July 2. Recipients of the grants and the amounts awarded will be posted on the village website.

If grant funds remain after the first round of grants are awarded, a second grant period will be established to award any remaining funds to qualifying businesses.

The grant application form is available at www.Northbrook.IL.US.com.

Completed applications and all attachments should be submitted electronically via email to Thomas Poupard, director of Development & Planning Services at tom.poupard@northbrook.il.us. Partial applications will not be accepted.

Questions concerning the program can also be directed to Poupard by phone at 847-664-4051 or via email.

For Northbrook news as it happens, check www.northbrookherald.com.