CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois’ Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding efforts to help small businesses trying to regain their financial footing after the shutdowns of the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Pritzker said the state will begin taking applications next week for its latest grant program for businesses that have struggled through financial fallout from COVID-19.
“Today, in partnership with the General Assembly, I’m taking another step to stimulate economic growth, jobs, and new opportunity for the people of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Further accelerating our economic recovery, we are announcing $250 million in Back to Business grants to help small businesses all across Illinois hire back staff and cover operating costs. Small businesses are the backbone of Illinois’ economy, collectively representing the largest number of jobs in Illinois and the largest job creators. And here in Illinois, they’re also the cornerstone of our recovery.”
The program builds on last year’s Business Interruption Grant program, which provided $580 million to small businesses and childcare providers across the state.
Alan Moy, the owner of Viet Nom Nom, said his fast-casual restaurant only survived because of programs like this.
"The stories about not just covering, but also growing again, and I appreciate every opportunity to share this, because I know this has been such a challenge for all of us these days," Moy said.
Moy said he was literally born and raised in his family’s restaurant, and always dreamed of owning his own. The dream came true five years ago, but COVID-19 almost shattered it.
"In 2020 just before the pandemic, we had these huge plans for Viet Nom Nom to grow all across Chicago and Evanston. The pandemic surely put that on a screeching halt. We close for two months, but very quickly in a matter of a few months, we were able to finally figure out a plan last summer to open three new locations in three consecutive months," he said.
Moy said help from the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity helped the business to survive and grown.
DCEO is making $250 million available for small businesses across the state experiencing significant losses due to COVID-19. To reach the businesses most in need with these funds, DCEO will work alongside over 100 community navigators, 42 Small Business Development Center (SBDCs) and other outreach partners who have relationships with their local business community.
“Through the new Back to Business grant program, our administration is mobilizing our share of federal recovery dollars to provide grants that will help Illinois businesses continue with reopening, bring back their staff and rebuild stronger,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. “At DCEO, we have already begun to join community navigators, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, legislators and many other partners from around the state in getting the word out about the availability of critical resources for businesses still in need.”
While many business types and industries may apply, businesses in the following industries will be given priority status for grants: restaurants and taverns; hotels; arts businesses and organizations; and more. Additionally, businesses located within Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs), as defined in statute, will be prioritized.
Garcia said starting Aug. 18 they’ll be taking applications. You can find out more online at, www.DCEO.Illinois.gov.
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