WEST CHICAGO - Thanks to the support of State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), 57 businesses in the district she represents will receive almost $3 million in combined assistance to grow and restore their services that were hindered by the pandemic.

“Our businesses have worked exceptionally hard to remain open while keeping their employees and the community safe,” said Villa. ”Business owners are still trying to recover their lost resources from the pandemic.”

The Back to Business program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Villa – DCEO has provided hundreds of millions in B2B grants to thousands of small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

To date, $2.95 million in B2B grants have gone to businesses within the 25^th District. Businesses receiving these grants include restaurants, bars, hotels and other hard-hit sectors.

“This funding will help our local businesses restore resources from the major effects of the pandemic so they can continue to deliver for our community,” said Villa.

For a full list of businesses receiving B2B grants, click here.