BRIDGEVIEW – State Senator Steve Landek (D-Bridgeview) is pleased to announce over $500,000 in grants awarded to nearly 20 local businesses via the first round of the Back to Business program, and is encouraging other businesses to apply for the second round before the Oct. 13 deadline.
“I’ve had several conversations with local business owners who have told me how hard the COVID-19 pandemic has been for them and how much the Back to Business grants have helped,” Landek said. “This was not an easy year for anyone, and there’s no shame in asking for support if you need it. Since there are still funds available, I encourage any other small business owners who are struggling to apply for a grant.”
Eighteen businesses in the district Landek represents have already received $520,000. These include restaurants, salons and small retailers, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.
Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.
Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance. Eligibility guidelines are also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic.
Learn more about the Back to Business grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.
