(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Gov. JB Pritzker announced the first wave of “Back to Business” grants for roughly 500 small businesses that have been struggling during the pandemic.
It’s the first $24 million in an effort to distribute more than $250 million, he said Thursday.
One recipient is La Tierra in Little Village. Priscilla Fuentes said her family’s restaurant has been struggling for the last 18 months.
“My dad, Ezequiel Fuentes, had cut into his personal savings when the pandemic first hit,” she said. “At times we barely broke even, but we always felt committed to delivering the food and service.”
La Tierra received $150,000, which Fuentes said will allow them to bring back staff and cover increased overhead costs.
Pritzker noted that 80% of Back to Business grant recipients applied for but did not receive business interruption grants last year.
“We're working hard to ensure that these Back to Business grants go where they're most needed,” he said.
The statewide grants will be made available on a rolling basis.
Applications are due Oct. 13.
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