The state is about to launch a program to help small businesses recovering from the pandemic. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the formation of the Back To Business Grant program. Starting this Wednesday August 18 , businesses can go online and apply for part of the program's 250 million dollars. While many types of businesses can apply, the Department is giving special attention to those that suffered heavily because of the COVID-19's economic fallout, hotels, taverns and restaurants. The program will also give preference to companies with revenues below five million dollars and did not receive the earlier Business Interruption Grant. Additionally, regional development partners say they are ready to help local businesses in applying. The groups include, Workforce Innovation at Shawnee Community College, the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development at SIU Carbondale, and the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission.
For more information contact Jennifer Olson at the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission at JenniferOlson@GreaterEgypt.org
Or, visit: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx
