Webinar to teach small businesses how to secure financial aid

Small businesses facing financial losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to join a webinar sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, to get help applying for financial aid.

"With the vaccine distribution process now underway, there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but many small businesses are still feeling the pressure of the pandemic," Murphy said. "There's still time to apply for funding to help make ends meet."

Murphy has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Office of Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to host the webinar. State Senators Cristina Castro and Ann Gillespie are co-hosts of the event.

Panelists include Robert Steiner, district director of the Illinois office of the SBA, who will provide information to small businesses to learn more about the federal Paycheck Protection Program and other available resources.

"The application period for the second round of PPP is open now through March 31. If your business is struggling, I encourage you to apply as soon as possible," Murphy said. "Explore all your options, including PPP, at this upcoming webinar."

The webinar will be held via Cisco Webex. Register at tinyurl.com/yn2fklxq.