In This Issue:

• Business of the Year Nominations
• Dec. 8, 2020 is "Pitch Day" for the NLNW Business Accelerator Program
• Shop Local, Shop Small
• November 28, 2020 is Small Business Saturday
• Municipal Code Amendments
• ComEd Energy Efficiency Program 
• Covid News and Resources  

"Pitch Your Business" to enter the NLNW Business Accelerator Program 

The Village seeks Hanover Park businesses poised for growth who might be interested in the Village’s business accelerator program – “Next Level Northwest” (NLNW). 

The Village has invested in this program to help our growing businesses expand.  If you meet the criteria listed below, we invite you to make a “pitch” for your business to be selected. 

Participation in this business counseling program is FREE.  We have seen great results. Here’s a link to the Country Style Donuts success story and profiles of other participants:  https://www.nextlevelnorthwest.org/success-stories/.   
 
To qualify, you must have been In business at least 2-3 years, are not a "start-up," have more than 1 employee, and are willing to commit to improvement.

November 28, 2020 is Small Business Saturday

Click on the "Shop Small" logo to download American Express marketing materials you can use in your own Shop Local event and campaign. 

You will find template flyers, logos, and social media posts.   Also, free Google resources are available to help with e-commerce.  Free marketing templates are available at canva.com.

Municipal Code Amendments

New Village Center Zoning District -  

Hanover Park holds an unprecedented opportunity to build a modern, high density downtown surrounding our Metra Train Station. The Village has a strong track record of responding to market changes by updating our guiding documents and a new zoning district is needed to implement the vision for a a village center with civic space, and new retail, housing, and mixed-use construction.

The Village has received a $35,000 grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) to hire a consultant who will work under Village guidance.  More information is on the RTA site.

Alcohol sales in larger gas station convenience stores -

Village Assistance Program

• Time is running out to apply for the Village Covid-19 Assistance program which provided free "open" signs and and offers marketing assistance to build an on-line presence. More information is online.

Illinois Restaurant Association Employee Relief Fund Applications NOW LIVE

• The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund is providing $500 cash to restaurant workers who’ve been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Apply: Here

NEW Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application for Loans under 50k

• SBA has announced a simplified loan forgiveness application for borrowers of $50,000 or less. Application HERE
• Loan Forgiveness Application HERE (see FAQ in English & Spanish attached)
• ENGLISH Webinar on PPP Loan Forgiveness: What Nonprofits and Small Businesses Need to Know: Watch Here
• Spanish Language Webinar on Loan Forgiveness Application: Watch Here

The State's (BIG) grant program for small business is not a loan program.

• For more information in English and Spanish please click here.
• Eligibility guidelines in English click here or in Spanish click here.
• Round 2 Application Checklist in English click here. 
• Business Certification Form and Eligible Cost list in English click here or in Spanish click here.
• Guidance for BIG Awards and Other Federal Support Such as PPP and EIDL (Non-Duplication of Benefits) in English click here or in Spanish click here.
• BIG webinar recording in English click here or in Spanish click here.
• If you have questions in English click here or in Spanish click here
• Apply in English click here or in Spanish click here.

 *If you use an ITIN for your business you can apply as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.