SPRINGFIELD – Dozens of local businesses in and around the district Senator Doris Turner represents were recently awarded approximately $3.3 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to her support.

“These last two years have been a burden on all of us, especially those who own and operate small businesses that drive our local economies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These grants are giving businesses across our community a lifeline to get back on their feet.”

PARK FOREST – Sixty-two additional small businesses in the 40^th Senate District were awarded $1.9 million in pandemic-related aid thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). 

“Illinois is fighting to keep small businesses operating,” Joyce said. “I’m pleased to see our local restaurants, salons, fitness centers and other organizations in our community get a financial boost.”

FRANKFORT –Dozens of local businesses were recently awarded more than $1.5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to aid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort).

“COVID-19 has had devastating impacts on small businesses, especially in service and tourism industries,” Hastings said. “These grants will provide essential assistance to ensure local businesses can recover financially, as well as ensure they are able to serve their community as safely as possible.”

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will host a virtual Theft and Scams Prevention Workshop with the office of the Illinois comptroller Wednesday.

The hour-long workshop, which takes place Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 12 p.m., will inform residents of the best practices to avoid becoming a victim of fraud, scams and identity theft.

It will be livestreamed through State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s Facebook Page, at @SenatorMegLoughranCappel.

EVERGREEN PARK – The Evergreen Park Public Library will receive nearly $10,000 in grant money to provide the community with vital education resources thanks to support from State Senator Bill Cunningham.

“Libraries are necessary in giving access to knowledge,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “The funding granted to Evergreen Park Library will help it continue to provide a safe learning space for our community.” 

The funding is allocated to libraries across the state to make upgrades, assist with the development of the local workforce and ensure the library stays open safely for families. The grant is comprised of both state and federal dollars.

MARYVILLE – Twenty-six additional small businesses in the Metro East were awarded more than $1 million in pandemic-related aid, thanks to support from State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“To help our small business community recover from the pandemic, we created the Back to Business grant program to offer relief from some of the financial strains,” Crowe said. “We know businesses continue to struggle through the different COVID-19 variants, and we’re providing assistance with this program.”

The Back to Business 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 Crowe – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

WAUKEGAN – With support from State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove), 34 additional businesses in the 30th Senate District have been awarded $1.3 million in combined grants for pandemic-related recovery efforts.

“To offer support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries, this funding was awarded to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Johnson said. “The local Back to Business grant awardees allow business owners in Cook and Lake counties to retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

The Back to Business 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 Johnson – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Johnson represents, 56 businesses in total were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $175,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open through the ongoing pandemic . Businesses ranged from hotels to restaurants and more.

HIGHWOOD – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s support of last year’s state budget, dozens of local businesses in the district she represents will receive more than $2 million in combined assistance to combat COVID-19-reated losses.

“Small business owners in Lake and Cook County and throughout the state experienced unforeseen financial difficulties that will be challenging to bounce back from without help,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “While reopening has been beneficial to many businesses, they are still constantly facing financial obligations to keep their stores clean and employees protected.”

The B2B 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 Morrison – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.