MARYVILLE – Small businesses in Jersey, Madison and St. Clair counties were awarded more than $1.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“We’re starting to see businesses move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Crowe said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to supporting thousands of small businesses across Illinois.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Crowe – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.

“Support is critical to the health of our small business community,” Crowe said. “I’m happy to see so many businesses across the Metro East take advantage of this opportunity.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.

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