Hoffman Highlights Back to Business Grants for Small Businesses Now Available

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To help local small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is raising awareness about the $250 million now available in Back to Business grants from the State of Illinois. 

“These grants are aimed to help small businesses financially hurt by the pandemic by prioritizing grants for restaurants, hotels, arts businesses, and others. Priority will also be given to businesses in disproportionately impacted areas including parts of Madison and St. Clair Counties,” said Hoffman. “We are working to make sure businesses and communities most impacted by pandemic are receiving the support they need to recover losses and hire staff.”

Businesses that suffered financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply online for Back to Business Grants through Illinois and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The $250 million program is part of the state’s economic recovery plan from the effects of the pandemic. DCEO will be awarding Back to Business grants ranging in size from $5,000 – $150,000. Grants will be focused on small business with revenues of $5 million or less along with business that applied but did not receive funding through the Business Interruption Grant program. 

Businesses and organization leaders can learn more about Back to Business Grants and other available programs by visiting dceo.illinois.gov.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and many were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Hoffman. “We are investing in small businesses because we know those businesses reinvest in their communities through job creation and local spending.”