Janice Yoder: Adore Bridal
Janice Yoder: Adore Bridal
“My store is closed. The morning I had to explain to my staff that I had to lay them off, I cried."
Rob Knight: Rob Knight’s Swim America
Rob Knight: Rob Knight’s Swim America
"I just don’t know how much more people can be taxed and remain in business."
Marilyn Kline-Peacock: Marilyn Peacock Day Care Home
Marilyn Kline-Peacock: Marilyn Peacock Day Care Home
"I don’t know what the future is for my business. I know I can’t go 150 days [closed]. There’s no way I will survive. I will have to quit something I’ve done for 22 years."
Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May
Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May
As new claims overwhelm an unprepared and inefficient system, the state has been pre-approved for a $5 billion loan from the federal government to ensure benefits continue to be paid.
Adam White: RC Outfitters
Adam White: RC Outfitters
“To the person who doesn’t understand survival as a small business, guess what happens if I close? I have a personal guarantee on everything in this store. I would go bankrupt, period."
Opposition to Pritzker’s lockdown spreading rapidly
Opposition to Pritzker’s lockdown spreading rapidly
Opposition to Pritzker’s order is growing, as small business owners sue to challenge the governor’s ability to order them into ruin.
Jan Munday: Weekdays at Munday’s
Jan Munday: Weekdays at Munday’s
“My center is family child care. The governor took and suspended all of our licenses throughout the state."
Kevin Promenschenkel: Poopy’s biker bar
Kevin Promenschenkel: Poopy’s biker bar
“If I lose my business, I might as well be dead as far as I’m concerned. I’ve done this my whole life. Now that may sound stupid to some people, but it doesn’t to me."
Beth George: White Pines Resort
Beth George: White Pines Resort
“I was willing to do the shelter-in-place to flatten the curve and do what was needed for the country. In the beginning I think it was the only decision that was able to be made. But after that, nothing is making sense."
More than 1 million Illinoisans out of work since COVID-19
More than 1 million Illinoisans out of work since COVID-19
The state’s unemployment rate continues to soar as joblessness hits more than 1 in 5 workers.
3-in-4 Illinoisans support reopening small businesses immediately
3-in-4 Illinoisans support reopening small businesses immediately
Small businesses have struggled since their doors were forced to close March 21. A new poll shows 75% of Illinoisans want them to be allowed to reopen now.
4 problems with Pritzker’s reopening plan
4 problems with Pritzker’s reopening plan
‘Restore Illinois’ is short on details about when and how Illinoisans can get back to work.
Denetta Flamingo: Ottawa Nautilus Fit 24
Denetta Flamingo: Ottawa Nautilus Fit 24
“How are we supposed to pay our bills? Just keep selling our stuff, until there’s nothing left? But you can’t do that because you have people counting on you."
Michael and Marian Patricoski
Michael and Marian Patricoski
“We live a pretty simple life. We live well within our means. We’re not in any great discomfort. My concern is for patients going forward and for staff."