Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus helped secure funding for local chambers of commerce that will go toward supporting businesses and helping them recover from the lingering economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The State of Illinois’ B2B Local Chambers program is critical to helping local chambers of commerce continue moving in a positive trajectory after the devastating effects of the pandemic,” said State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “Illinois is committed to supporting communities across the state through grant funding programs such as B2B and beyond.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants through the Back to Business Local Chambers program will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development opportunities and support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development.

Eligible chambers of commerce included organizations of businesses and professionals dedicated to improving business development in their communities – particularly those that experienced a negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 150 eligible chambers received grant awards.

“Illinois continues to provide support to communities that experienced negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “The B2B Local Chambers grant program is providing funding to local chambers of commerce throughout the state to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, and more.”

A full list of grantees can be found here. For more information about the B2B program, visit DCEO’s website.