Aurora-area businesses received more than $650,000 in last round

AURORA – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) encourages local businesses struggling from the pandemic to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range 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.

“I want to see as many local small businesses as possible applying for these grants that can make a big difference in recovering and thriving after the economic hit of the pandemic,” Holmes said. “As a former small business owner, I know they must leverage every possible resource.”

Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance. Eligibility guidelines are also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic.

Ten businesses in the district Holmes represents have already received more than $650,000 in grants. They include technology, hospitality and food and beverage businesses, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

Learn more about the B2B grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website .The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.

CHICAGO – With the second round of Back to Business grants currently accepting applications, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is pleased to announce nearly $1 million in grants awarded to businesses in the area he represents.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most difficult times in recent memory, and a lot of small businesses have been struggling to keep the lights on and the doors open,” Peters said. “The people of our community rely on so many of these businesses for their everyday needs, and I’m glad to see them get the support they need through these grants.”

Twenty-four businesses in the district Peters represents have already received $925,000. These include restaurants, salons and travel agencies, demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range 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. Peters is encouraging other small businesses to apply.

“There are still funds available for any small businesses that could use it,” Peters said. “I whole-heartedly encourage small businesses owners who are in need of help to apply before the Oct. 13 deadline.”

Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance. Eligibility guidelines are also available in: Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic.

Learn more about the Back to Business grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

SPRINGFIELD – This Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are celebrating the increase and influence of the Latino Caucus and community in both the Senate and the state.

Hispanic Heritage Month – which takes place between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 – is a time to acknowledge and commemorate the histories, cultures and contributions of our Hispanic neighbors. Click here for a special video from our members. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Pacione-Zayas: New screening program to help people identify cancer early

CHICAGO – After attending the launch of the Community First Medical Center’s Hereditary Cancer Screening Program, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) is encouraging people with a known family history of cancer to get screened through the new program.

“Modern technology has come a long way, and programs like this are revolutionary for identifying early signs of cancer,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Early identification is key to successful treatment, and I am excited to see how this new program helps people in our community.”

Read more.

FOID application backlog decreases thanks to system modernization

PEORIA – Thanks to work by the Illinois State Police and legislative initiatives led by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the state’s FOID card backlog has greatly reduced over the past year.

“Our communities have been struggling with the backlog for years,” Koehler said. “Safe and responsible gun owners who are doing the lawful thing by submitting their applications and waiting their turn should have quicker access to obtaining their licenses. I’m pleased to know that the unnecessary hassle and lengthy wait times are dissipating.”

Read more.

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DES PLAINES – On the surface, the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic has put Illinoisans on track toward normalcy. However, more than 400,000 people are still facing housing insecurity, and State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) hopes the new Housing Help emergency rental and utility assistance program can ease the burden so many are still facing.

“As the federal and state eviction moratoriums come to an end, thousands of people across the state are continuing to struggle to find ways to keep a roof over their head,” Murphy said. “No person should have to face stress of the pandemic on top of the fear of losing their housing.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Housing Development Authority recently announced a new program to provide financial assistance to Illinoisans who are unable to pay their rent and utilities due to COVID-19 economic hardships.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is encouraging local businesses struggling from pandemic losses to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range 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.

“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,” Morrison said. “While reopening has been beneficial to many businesses, they are still constantly facing financial obligations to keep their stores clean and employees protected.”

CHICAGO – After attending the launch of the Community First Medical Center’s Hereditary Cancer Screening Program, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D- Chicago) is encouraging people with a known family history of cancer to get screened through the new program.

“Modern technology has come a long way, and programs like this are revolutionary for identifying early signs of cancer,” Pacione-Zayas said. “Early identification is key to successful treatment, and I am excited to see how this new program helps people in our community.”

Community First Medical Center is a safety net hospital on the northwest side of Chicago offering a wide variety of acute and outpatient services. The hospital’s Outpatient Specialty Clinic has teamed up with Myriad Genetics, Inc. to offer MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Screenings to men and women who have a known personal or family history of cancer.

NAPERVILLE – State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) are partnering with Metropolitan Family Services DuPage to hold a #LovePurse donation drive for survivors of domestic violence and other local women in need.

“For many women, a new purse full of care items is a symbol of a fresh start,” Ellman said. “By giving them what they might need, we are telling women who are struggling, ‘You matter, you are cared for, and you are worthy.’”

VILLA PARK – To help offset losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is urging local businesses to submit their applications for the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

“The Back to Business program has already helped over a dozen businesses in our community,” Cullerton said. “Submitting your application before the deadline could help your business get the funds needed to bounce back from this pandemic.”

The B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. The deadline for applications for B2B grants is Oct. 13, and grants are awarded on a rolling basis.

Funding for the B2B program comes from $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act money. To date, businesses in the 23^rd district have received nearly $700,000 cumulatively.

“The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is working hard to make sure local businesses get the funding they need,” Cullerton said. “I encourage business owners to utilize the DCEO website and local Community Navigator organizations to get the help they need to apply.”

For more information on the B2B program and to access the application, visit the DCEO website.