CHICAGO – To help businesses across the state overcome financial burdens brought on by the pandemic, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is pleased to see dozens of businesses in the 5^th District will receive over a million dollars in Business Interruption Grants (BIG).

“Businesses are still struggling as we continue to endure this pandemic,” Van Pelt said. “I hope these grants help give businesses on the West Side a boost, and for those who haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.”

Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded grants through the second round of the BIG program, which included specific funding for heavily impacted industries and businesses in disproportionately impacted areas. Each business received between $5,000 and $150,000 in financial assistance.

The BIG program is the largest state-run economic support program formed in response to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will remain open until all of the funding is spent and are available on DCEO’s website.