PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) is thrilled to see small businesses across the 49^th District are set to receive nearly $400,000 to help them bounce back from the pandemic.

Seven businesses in the district will receive grants from the latest Back to Business program. The B2B program allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants ranged 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.

“Our local businesses are the cornerstone of our communities,” Loughran Cappel said. “These funds will help struggling business owners bounce back from this awful pandemic.”

Loughran Cappel urges residents to eat and shop at local businesses this holiday season.

“Shop, eat and think local this holiday season if you can,” Loughran Cappel said. “Not only are these great ways to support our local businesses – keep in mind the money remains in our community when you buy local.”

For a full list of businesses that have received Back to Business grants, visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awards page at illinois.gov/B2BAwards.