Yednock Highlights $250 Million on Offer for Illinois Small Businesses

OTTAWA, Ill. – To better help local businesses recover from historic economic hardship, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is encouraging Illinois Valley business owners to apply for real financial relief provided through Governor Pritzker’s administration.

“The available money is an investment in Illinois families and their businesses, not a handout,” said Yednock. “Family run small businesses are the foundation of the Illinois Valley and for hundreds more communities across Illinois. If you or a business you love is struggling to make ends meet, please share this information with them as soon as you can.”

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) 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.

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.

“Illinois Valley small businesses have suffered enough for the past year and a half but thankfully, relief is within reach,” said Yednock.