Three of the Illinois Quad Cities are working together to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 shutdown.
Jay Pearce has more.
This month, East Moline, Moline, and Rock Island hired Live Stories to create a website where local businesses can find information about grants, loans, and other assistance.
The cities are calling the platform, FORWARD.
Mayor Reggie Freeman says East Moline will launch it this week. "The Live Stories platform simplifies the process for businesses looking for assistance due to COVID-19. This tool provides a one-stop-shop to see what resources are available and facilitates the application process."
Moline Mayor Stephanie Acri says "Forward" will show a company only the funding sources its eligible for, based on industry and number of employees.
"My businesses need the full population to be available to fill their seats and make a living."
Businesses in East Moline, Moline, and Rock Island will be able to log into their own profile through their own city's website.
REDEEM, Renew Moline, and DARI helped each respective city pay for the FORWARD service.
In addition, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is providing information to help businesses, such as Emergency Hospitality Grants, the Small Business Emergency Fund, Fast Track Capital grants, and the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program.