Mayor Tom McNamara announced this week that the city of Rockford will be taking several steps to assist Rockford businesses in reopening on June 1, 2020. The City will help restaurants and bars with the reopening process by offering the following:
- Dedicating Public Works and Community and Economic Development Department staff to facilitate an expedite the approval process for all outdoor seating;
- Waiving permit fees associated with the establishment of outdoor seating areas for restaurants on public and private property;
- Allowing temporary outdoor seating areas in private parking lots, sidewalks, public lots and alley’s (subject to safety standards);
- Suspending the liquor license approval process for existing restaurant license holders to expand or create outdoor seating areas;
Mayor McNamara, also announced Microenterprise Loans will again be available for Rockford businesses with 5 or less employees. The application process will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 and run through Friday, May 29, 2020. Rockford’s website currently lists the following link to apply for the “COVID-19 Microenterprise Loan Application.”
We will continue to monitor the business reopening plans both locally and at the state level and will provide updates when warranted. Please contact us with any questions you might have. We are here to help you make it through these challenging times.
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