In an effort to further support the local economy, State representative Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, encourages small and local businesses to apply for the Back to Business Grant Program, which has been set up to support the continued recovery of Illinois businesses. The application process formally opened August 18 for businesses to begin to apply.
“As we continue to find ways to grow economic development and recovery from this pandemic, we must remember that small businesses are the backbone of our local economies,” said Kifowit. “Many of these businesses create local jobs and need support to bounce back. That’s exactly what the Back to Business Grant program has been set up to achieve.”
Last week, governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support the continued recovery of small businesses across Illinois. The Back to Business grants will offer small and local businesses access to funds that can help offset losses due to COVID-19, bring back workers and take continued steps to rebuild after the global pandemic.
The Back to Business Grants will seek to restore operational losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 – $150,000. To be considered for a grant, applicants must demonstrate a reduction in revenue in 2020 as compared with 2019. While many business types and industries may apply, businesses in the restaurant, hotel, and arts industries, will be prioritized, as well as those in disproportionately impacted areas.
For more information on the Back to Business grants, how to apply and where to access small business assistance, please visit dceo.illinois.gov or contact Kifowit’s full-time constituent office at 630-585-1308 or at Stephanie.kifowit@att.net. DCEO and partner organizations will hold webinars over the next several weeks to provide virtual technical assistance on demand.
—Representative Stephanie Kifowit, MPA, USMC Veteran 90-94, IL House District 84