In response to the excessive gatherings of people along Chicago's Lakefront, Riverwalk and 606 Trail this week, effective immediately, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has issued an executive order closing these spaces to the public until further notice. The Mayor made the announcement alongside city officials and mayors from surrounding communities that are also grappling with the issue of social and congregate gatherings in their communities while the state’s ‘Stay at Home’ order is in effect.

Food and beverage businesses that generated less than $1M in revenue and hotels that generated less than $8M in revenue in 2019 are eligible to apply to Governor Pritzker's Illinois Emergency Business Assistance Initiative, which is awarding lottery grants on April 4.

In an effort to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced an expansive series of measures waiving various County fines, fees and deferring tax collections.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno today announced guidance for Chicago’s residents to be aware of and avoid consumer fraud related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, including false advertising, phishing and price gouging. Following an increase in reports of fraudulent practices, BACP is reminding consumers to report suspicious consumer fraud activity to 311.

Applications for the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund will begin to be accepted on March 31, 2020. Loan applications will be administered through the City's Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners.