Illinois small businesses can tap into $250 million in low-interest bridge loans as
soon as this week to help push through the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois State Treasurer Michael
Frerichs said today.
The state treasurer’s office will make $250 million available to Illinois banks and credit unions
that wish to participate. The financial institutions will determine who is eligible for the loans.
“We can move faster than the federal government and its partners because we are not slowed by the
partisanship that overshadows such efforts,” Frerichs said. “Part of ensuring the health and wellbeing of our residents includes making sure small-business owners stay solvent so their workers can
be paid.”
Kraig Lounsberry, president of the Community Bankers Association, encourages its members to
participate in this loan program. “Partnering with the state treasurer’s office will give community banks
a powerful new tool to quickly protect small businesses suffering during this crisis,” Lounsberry said.
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office can move faster than others because facilitating low-interest loans
is one of its core functions. These linked-deposit loans have been a staple for decades. The most widely
known linked deposit is Ag Invest, which helps farmers with annual and long-term loans to be used
for operating costs, equipment purchases, livestock purchases, and construction-related expenses.
Established in 1983, Ag Invest has provided more than $4 billion in loans.
Other linked-deposit models include efforts to assist workers impacted by a government shutdown;
faith-based organizations seeking facility improvements; and the legal cannabis industry.
“As someone who used to be in the restaurant business, these bridge loans truly are needed and will
make a difference,” said Illinois Rep. Mike Murphy, R-Springfield. “Small business is the backbone
of our economy, and now, more than ever, these businesses need to know state government is here to
support them and their employees.”
“In Illinois, we can move more quickly than others because the treasurer’s office already has the
authority to create these loan programs. These loans can help businesses stay solvent today, when they
need the help,” said Illinois Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign.
For more about the Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program, visit bit.ly/SmallBizRelief.
