Gov. Pritzker Announces $250 Million Back To Business Grant Program

Application Opens August 18th, Nation-Leading Community Navigator Program Ready to Assist Businesses in Applying

SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program to support the continued recovery of small businesses across Illinois. The first in a series of economic recovery programs set to launch by the administration, B2B will offer small businesses access to funds that can help offset losses due to COVID-19, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic. The program builds on last year’s Business Interruption Grant program, which provided $580 million to small businesses and childcare providers across the state.

The state is also providing a $9 million investment to grow the proven community navigator program, providing a robust network of community organizations to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance in the hardest hit communities. DCEO and community navigators will immediately begin working to provide businesses with information on required steps to apply, allowing them time to prepare before the application formally opens on August 18, 2021 – one week from today.

“In partnership with the General Assembly, I’m taking another step to stimulate economic growth, jobs, and new opportunity for the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Further accelerating our economic recovery, we are announcing $250 million in Back to Business grants to help small businesses all across Illinois hire back staff and cover operating costs. Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy, collectively representing the largest number of jobs in Illinois and the largest job creators. And here in Illinois, they’re also the cornerstone of our recovery.”

DCEO is making $250 million available for small businesses across the state experiencing significant losses due to COVID-19. To reach the businesses most in need with these funds, DCEO will work alongside over 100 community navigators, 42 Small Business Development Center (SBDCs) and other outreach partners who have relationships with their local business community.

“Through the new Back to Business grant program, our administration is mobilizing our share of federal recovery dollars to provide grants that will help Illinois businesses continue with reopening, bring back their staff and rebuild stronger,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. “At DCEO, we have already begun to join community navigators, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, legislators and many other partners from around the state in getting the word out about the availability of critical resources for businesses still in need.”

While many business types and industries may apply, businesses in the following industries will be given priority status for grants: restaurants and taverns; hotels; arts businesses and organizations; and more. Additionally, businesses located within Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs), as defined in statute, will be prioritized.

“Our small businesses are truly are the economic engines of our communities and this Back to Business program is exactly the type of assistance we should be providing as they continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “We know our small businesses and their employees suffered tremendously the past year and a half. This program will kick start economic recovery not only for our small businesses, but for the entire state.”

"This new program has expanded on previous grant programs for business," said Majority Leader Greg Harris. "Not only are there more resources, we have targeted funds for disproportionately impacted communities and also specific types of small businesses, like hospitality, tourism, arts and culture, which have been particularly hard hit by COVID."

“This is the shot in the arm that our small businesses need to continue to grow and once again thrive in this COVID-era economy. And when our small businesses thrive, so do our communities,” said Assistant Majority Leader Elizabeth Hernandez.

“Small businesses create jobs, attract tourism and underpin our communities—they’re fueling our state’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “But our main streets need support to bounce back. The Back 2 Business program has enormous positive potential not just for businesses, but for our communities as a whole, as we revive and expand our local economies.”

“Throughout the pandemic, providing support to our small businesses has been a priority, starting with the BIG program last year and continuing on with the Back to Business program now,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin). “I commend Gov. JB Pritzker and the hardworking folks at DCEO for helping ensure that our most vulnerable businesses bounce back and thrive as we work to recover from the last year and a half.”

“It has remained a top priority of mine to help all small businesses build back better,” said State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). “Like all of us, small business owners suffered unimaginable stress over the past year, but the losses our small businesses experienced have put a tremendous strain on growing local economies. I am proud to lead Democratic efforts in the Senate to ensure needed dollars reach the communities hardest hit by the pandemic as we work to ensure every small business owner’s voice is heard.”

"Many small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 have not received any or little financial support. This situation is unacceptable and is about to change with this new program that focuses on helping businesses in industries severely affected by the pandemic. Our communities will appreciate this funding that allows rebuilding the state's economy from the bottom up," said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago).

“The Back to Business grant program is exactly the boost our most vulnerable businesses need in order to rebound from the challenging times we've recently experienced,” said State Representative Sonya Harper (D–Chicago). “I applaud Governor for listening to our concerns and coming up with a program that truly works for disproportionately impacted businesses and communities.”

“The Back to Business grant will be a lifeline for the small businesses in the communities we serve,” said State Representative Theresa Mah (D–Chicago). “Some of these businesses were so small or so challenged by previous grant opportunities that they were not equipped to take advantage of them, or they were so severely impacted that they did not receive enough assistance. For them this program is coming just in time.”

“As we continue our economic recovery from this pandemic, it is imperative for our state to continue its support of the small businesses that line our bustling communities,” said State Representative Aaron Ortiz (D–Chicago). “As I walk our business districts and hear from our merchants, many immigrants who rely on the income generated to support their families, I understand how vital these programs are in maintaining the spirit of our communities. I am proud to support the Back to Business Grant Program that continues to prioritize the small businesses that serve as an important engine in our neighborhoods.”

For more information on B2B, how to apply and where to access small business assistance, please visit dceo.illinois.gov. DCEO and partner organizations will hold webinars over the next several weeks to provide virtual technical assistance on demand. To receive regular updates on economic recovery programs, capital assistance and other economic development programs, subscribe to the DCEO newsletter, or follow us on social @IllinoisDCEO.