ROUTE 47 BUSINESS RELIEF FUND - APPLY TODAY!

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Short-Term Support for Businesses Impacted by Construction
The City of Woodstock, in partnership with the Community Foundation for McHenry County, has established the Route 47 Business Relief Fund to provide short-term financial assistance to small businesses directly impacted by the Route 47 Expansion Project. While construction is an important investment in Woodstock's future, we recognize that nearby businesses may experience temporary challenges along the way. The Route 47 Business Relief Fund was created to help local businesses remain resilient throughout construction so they can continue serving our community for years to come. Applications are open from 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 31 through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31! 

How the Fund Works

• Grant cycles will be announced during periods of active Route 47 construction
• The City of Woodstock is providing $50,000 in seed funding, released in two $25,000 tranches based on construction progress
• The Community Foundation for McHenry County securely receives and manages all donations
• Grants up to $5,000 are awarded to eligible businesses experiencing documented construction-related impacts
• Businesses may apply up to two times if impacted by both construction phases
• Applications will be administered by the Community Foundation and the City of Woodstock. City staff will review the applications for completeness and eligibility. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a narrative portion on the Community Foundation's portal. The Community Foundation's Grant Review Committee will review the narrative portion and determine awardees. The City will issue reimbursement checks to grantees once expenses are submitted to the City. ​

Application Support Available!
Staff will be available to help interested applicants with every step of the grant application process. Stop by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, August 5 or Wednesday, August 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., to ask questions, review application requirements, and receive one-on-one assistance with your submission.​ You can drop in either of these days or call the Chamber to schedule an appointment!

View Event Details!

GRANT OVERVIEW

APPLY HERE - Applications OPEN 7/31 - 8/31

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Program Overview

• Up to $5,000 per award; one award per grant cycle
• Competitive and subject to available funding
• Maximum of two lifetime awards if multiple cycles occur 
• Applicants will be notified of award within 6-10 weeks of submission

​Requirements
Eligible industries generally include retail, restaurants, arts/entertainment, and other customer-facing neighborhood services. Businesses must:

• Be located within designated Route 47 Construction Project Impact Area
• Operate from a brick-and-mortar location within the Route 47 Construction Impact Area
• Have been open to the public for at least 12 months 
• Employ 1-49 full-time equivalent employees
• Generate $30,000 - $5,000,000 in annual revenue 
• Be privately owned and in good standing with local, state, and federal requirements
• Intend to remain in Woodstock after construction 

Applicants must also demonstrate measurable construction-related impact such as: 

• 10% or greater revenue decline over a 90-day period
• Documented parking, access, or visibility disruptions 
• Reduced hours or staffing 

Applicants may choose the documentation that best demonstrates the negative impact. Supporting documentation (P&L statements, sales tax reports, POS summaries, etc.) will be required.

Use of Funds
Grant funds may be used for the following:

• Payroll and employee retention 
• Marketing and customer outreach 
• Rent, utilities, and operating expenses
• Equipment repair or replacement 
• Business-related debt service 

Funds may not be used for owner bonuses, political activity, or personal expenses.  
​

Route 47 Construction Project Impact Area

VIEW PROJECT BOUNDARIES

SUPPORT THE FUND

Help Us Spread the Word
​To help share this critical resource, please consider posting our flyers in your business/organization. We understand that construction comes with a unique set of challenges and would greatly appreciate the community support during this time.

Why Contribute?
​All contributions are tax-deductible and administered through the Community Foundation for McHenry County. ​Your donation helps:

• Maintain commercial vitality along the Route 47 corridor 
• Strengthen Woodstock's long-term economic resilience 
• Provide direct financial relief to small businesses 
• Preserve local jobs 

Other ways to show support:

• Continue supporting Route 47 businesses through local patronage 
• Participate in community events and initiatives for Route 47 businesses

Together, we can help ensure Woodstock's small businesses remain strong while the community builds for the future. 

​Contact Laura Cullotta at [email protected] for information on corporate sponsorships. ​

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