Chamber630: Gov. Pritzker Announces $250 Million Back To Business Grant Program To Accelerate Small Business Recovery Across Illinois

Downers Grove IL

11 August, 2021

11:18 PM

Description

Press release from the Chamber630: Aug 11, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWednesday, August 11, 2021 [email protected] Application Opens August 18th, Nation-Leading Community Navigator Program Ready to Assist Businesses in Applying SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program to support the continued recovery of small businesses across Illinois. The first in a series of economic recovery programs set to launch by the administration, B2B will offer small businesses access to funds that can help offset losses due to COVID-19, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic. The program builds on last year's Business Interruption Grant program, which provided $580 million to small businesses and childcare providers across the state. The state is also providing a $9 million investment to grow the proven community navigator program, providing a robust network of community organizations to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance in the hardest hit communities. DCEO and community navigators will immediately begin working to provide businesses with information on required steps to apply, allowing them time to prepare before the application formally opens on August 18, 2021 – one week from today. "Today, in partnership with the General Assembly, I'm taking another step to stimulate economic growth, jobs, and new opportunity for the people of Illinois," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Further accelerating our economic recovery, we are announcing $250 million in Back to Business grants to help small businesses all across Illinois hire back staff and cover operating costs. Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois' economy, collectively representing the largest number of jobs in Illinois and the largest job creators. And here in Illinois, they're also the cornerstone of our recovery." DCEO is making $250 million available for small businesses across the state experiencing significant losses due to COVID-19. To reach the businesses most in need with these funds, DCEO will work alongside over 100 community navigators, 42 Small Business Development Center (SBDCs) and other outreach partners who have relationships with their local business community. This press release was produced by the Chamber630. The views expressed here are the author's own.