Scherer Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for New Round of Back 2 Business Grants

DECATUR, Ill. – State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is encouraging local business to take advantage of state resources for businesses facing difficulties in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by applying for the next round of Back 2 Business beginning Nov. 30.

“These grants have been instrumental in helping our communities bounce back after the worst the pandemic had to offer,” said Scherer. “While many folks have been helped, I know that there is still a lot more that we can do help our businesses continue to persevere and grow.”

Scherer is encouraging local business owners to apply for the $25 million available dollars in grants to help businesses founded between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021 the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Back 2 Business grant program. The program has already delivered more than $250 million dollars to help businesses across the state recover from losses suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest round of funding is limited to newer businesses that were excluded from earlier rounds of funding, because of a requirement stipulating that the applicant’s business had to exist prior to the pandemic. Businesses founded during the pandemic were left out. The application period begins on Nov. 30, and interested business owners can apply or find more information at www.b2bnewbiz.com Grants of up to $30,000 are available to recipients.

“As a state that works for everyone, we should always do what we can to encourage entrepreneurs to innovate and take risks to stimulate economic growth in our communities,” said Scherer. “Those who opened a business during the pandemic were especially courageous, creating jobs and new opportunities throughout the state. Anyone who created a business during the first two years of the pandemic should look into this opportunity.”