Champaign County businesses that suffered damage from looting may eventually be included in funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA), a spokesperson said last week.

John Dwyer of the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency, said in a phone call that over 50 businesses were affected by looting. The SBA announced in an email on June 26 it would be providing grants to Illinois businesses affected by civil unrest between May 26 and June 8.

However, businesses must be located in the greater Chicago area, as only Cook, Will, DuPage, Lake (Illinois), Lake (Indiana), McHenry and Kane County businesses can apply for the funding. Thus far, Champaign County businesses are ineligible for the funding.

Jessica Mayle, a Public Affairs Specialist for the Small Business Administration, said that the state made a request for funding for Cook County and the request encompasses the counties that border Cook County.

The announcement comes after the State of Illinois announced similar funding under its Business Interruption Grant program. The state is providing $20 million in grants for businesses affected by civil unrest, planning to distribute the funds via 1,000 grants worth $20,000. Illinois also has specific funding available for businesses located in “Disproportionately Impacted Areas,” which include Champaign’s 61820 ZIP code.

Illinois’ grant application opened June 26 and closes at 5 p.m. July 7, and those interested can apply on the small business assistance website.

The federal window to apply for physical property damage closes August 24, while “economic injury applications” close March 23, 2021.

The application for federal aid can be found on the SBA disaster loan assistance portal.