CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) encourages local businesses struggling from the pandemic to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

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.

“If your business is struggling financially right now, I encourage you to apply for this program,” Martwick said. “Our communities are bouncing back after such a rough year during the pandemic, and I’m encouraging businesses that need it most to apply to the Back to Business program and let us help you.”

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.

17 businesses in the district Martwick represents have already received $855,000 in grants. They include Brew Brothers LLC, Park Ridge Dance Inc., White Star Premier Cleaners, and many others, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

Interested business owners can learn more about the B2B grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website .The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.