Slaughter Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for Back to Business Grant

CHICAGO – To assist local businesses as they continue to reopen and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is encouraging local business owners to apply for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Back to Business grant.

“Many of Illinois’ small businesses were absolutely devastated due to the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially our restaurants and hospitality services,” said Slaughter. “After enduring months of shutdowns and decreased revenues, it is our responsibility to make sure that our small businesses have the resources that they need to get back on their feet.”

DCEO’s Back to Business grant program, which targets businesses that can demonstrate a decrease in their 2020 revenue due to the pandemic, is now accepting applications on a rolling basis through Oct. 13. DCEO hopes to target small businesses, with annual revenues less than $20 million, and businesses in hard hit industries such as hotels, restaurants and art venues. By the program’s conclusion, DCEO will inject $250 million into Illinois’ businesses across a variety of industries.

For more information on the creation of the Back to Business grant program or to apply, please visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.

“As the entire U.S. economy works toward a return to normalcy, we must continue to innovate and look for ways to support our small businesses, which are the economic engine of the nation,” said Slaughter. “Illinois is a diverse state, with a diverse set of industries and regions, and I know that we will continue to work hard to restore our state together.”