Rep. Sharon Chung Encourages Local Businesses to Apply for Newest Round of Back-to-Business Grants

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is recommending all eligible local businesses apply for a grant from the B2B NewBiz program. This program is designed to support businesses that struggled to qualify for past relief due to opening too recently.

“Starting a business despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic takes both guts and business savvy,” Chung said. “Local business is the backbone of our community. We need to ensure these businesses are recognized and supported, which is exactly what this new funding will do.”

The $25 Million B2B NewBiz program allows Illinois businesses to receive up to $30,000 in grants. The businesses must have started between January 2020 and December 2021 to be eligible. Businesses can apply between Nov. 30 and Jan. 11, 2024. Owners can go to b2bnewbiz.com for more information and to get support from 100 trained community navigators working across Illinois to facilitate the application process.

“While we have made great progress overcoming the strain that the pandemic brought to local businesses, many companies out there need a little more help to thrive,” Chung said. “This new funding will allow businesses to get through the extraordinary hardship of recent years and become a staple of their communities for years to come.”