WEST CHICAGO – Eighty-one businesses across the 25^th District have received a total of $4,145,000 through the Back to Business program thanks to support from State Senator Karina Villa and the General Assembly.

“Our small businesses fought through the darkest days of the pandemic, and now they’re looking to rebuild and move forward,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “I am pleased to see them receive this well-deserved support as they begin to do so.”

The $4,145,000 was awarded to 81 local businesses. The B2B 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.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

“So many local businesses have benefited greatly from this investment, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped to make these grants possible,” said Villa.

Thanks to years of fiscally responsible decisions and a surplus in the budget, the state saw an increase in funds available to assist small businesses.

Additional resources can be found on DCEO’ website and through DCEO’s First Stop Business Information Center Services at 800-252-2923 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..