Aurora-area businesses received more than $650,000 in last round

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) 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.

“I want to see as many local small businesses as possible applying for these grants that can make a big difference in recovering and thriving after the economic hit of the pandemic,” Holmes said. “As a former small business owner, I know they must leverage every possible resource.”

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.

Ten businesses in the district Holmes represents have already received more than $650,000 in grants. They include technology, hospitality and food and beverage businesses, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

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.