Speaker Welch Delivers Over $1 Million in New ‘Back 2 Business’ Grants for Local Employers

 

WESTCHESTER, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch announced more than $1 million in state Back 2 Business grants for west suburban employers Thursday, secured through his partnership with Gov. JB Pritzker. 

“These grants are about putting money directly into our community, helping local businesses recover from the lingering challenges of COVID-19, and keeping people on the job,” said Speaker Welch. “The work we’re doing to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house is so meaningful because a stronger Illinois can work with our local businesses to meet their needs, hire, and strengthen our communities.”   

Speaker Welch announced the grants for 12 local restaurants and hotels in his district:

  • Travel Inn in Broadview $42,261

  • Hyatt House in Oak Brook $25,438

  • Best Western in Hillside $207,305

  • Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook $165,468

  • The Drake in Oak Brook $133,267

  • The Marriott in Oakbrook $304,860

  • Four Points in Westchester $28,686

  • Chicago’s Chicken Shack in Broadview $5,000

  • Jimmy’s Place in Forest Park $50,000

  • Just Like Mama’s in Maywood $5,000

  • Shree Laxmi restaurants in Berkeley $35,000

  • Meal of the Day Café in Maywood $20,000

Back to School

While the scorching temperatures still feel like summer, students and teachers across the 7th district are back to school this week. As a father of two young children, Speaker Welch offered words of encouragement and gratitude as the new academic year begins. 

“It seems like every summer goes faster than the one before, but I’m grateful I was able to make some forever memories with my family, friends, and many in my community these past few months,” said Speaker Welch. “The first days of a new school year can always be a bit stressful, but I hope there is plenty of excitement too. I want to thank our administrators and educators who have been hard at work getting classrooms ready to welcome back our students, and I’m looking forward to another successful year in the 7th district!”

Grant Opportunities

More information on these funding opportunities can be found here.

 
Andrea Garcia