August 19, 2022 - The deadline for applications has been extended through August 26, 2022. The link below includes an updated application form.
July 29, 2022 – The City of Highland Park (City) has announced a new grant program to assist eligible businesses in recovering costs related to the impact of the Fourth of July Parade shooting and subsequent investigation. To allow the City and law enforcement agencies to complete the field investigation and site repair, businesses located within a designated perimeter were required to close for owner, employee, and customer access from July 4 – July 10, 2022. Businesses that were unable to operate during this time may be eligible to apply for a grant to help offset revenue losses during the closure. Applications are available for download and will be accepted through August 26, 2022.
“Our businesses play a significant role in supporting and sustaining the fabric of our community. Owners and employees have faced enormous challenges related to the July 4 tragedy and we stand with them as they move forward,” said Mayor Nancy Rotering. “The City Council and staff deeply understand that our businesses are still struggling coming out of the pandemic. We carefully reviewed our budget and made adjustments to help the businesses directly impacted by the shooting. Offsetting a portion of eligible losses through the Business Recovery Grant Program is a tangible way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to them. ”
The City will determine award amounts on a first-come, first-served basis, using analysis of the last three months of sales data to determine total losses and with priority given to restaurants and retailers. Restaurants may qualify for up to 75% of estimated revenue losses; retailers and service businesses may qualify for up to 50% of estimated revenue losses. To qualify for the program, businesses must demonstrate that they were closed for service from July 4 – 10 as a result of being within the defined investigation area, and that they did not provide services through off-site or digital means during that time. In addition, participating businesses must agree to pay wages to their employees for scheduled work hours from July 4 – July 10 up to the value of the grant, and may not receive recovery funds through insurance, grants, or other means that exceed 25% of lost revenue for restaurants, and 50% of lost revenue for retailers and service businesses. Program funds may not be duplicated by other sources.