Kifowit Encourages Local and Small Businesses to Apply to the Illinois Back to Business Grant Program

AURORA, Ill. – In an effort to further support the local economy, state Rep. 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 opens 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, Gov. 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 located in disproportionately impacted areas.

“The Back to Business grant program can be a lifeline for businesses struggling to work their way out from the pandemic,” said Kifowit. “If you are a small business and are working to get yourself back on good financial ground, I encourage you to apply for these grants.”

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 call Kifowit’s full-time constituent office at 630-585-1308 or email her at Stephanie.kifowit@att.net. DCEO and partner organizations will hold webinars over the next several weeks to provide virtual technical assistance on demand.