Recently issued the following announcement.
On August 18, 2021, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will join Community Navigator, Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), Chamber 57 and Village of Matteson officials to announce the official opening of the $250 Million Back to Business Grant Program application portal, followed by a program overview and application drive to support the continued recovery of small businesses across Illinois.
The Back to Business (B2B) grant programoffers small businesses access to funds that can help offset losses due to COVID-19, bring back workers, and take continued steps to rebuild amid the fallout from the pandemic. 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 for these grants.
To reach the businesses most in need, DCEO will work alongside over 100 community navigators, 42 Small Business Development Center (SBDCs) and other outreach partners, like GAGDC who have relationships with their local business community to provide technical assistance and help reduce any barriers businesses in need may face.
Immediately after the press conference, a program overview will be provided to area businesses, as well as an application drive, including no-cost technical assistance for businesses that are ready to apply.
For businesses unavailable to participate in this event, other area events will be hosted across the state in the next few weeks to ensure businesses get the help they need. For more information on B2B, how to apply, and where to access small business assistance, please visit dceo.illinois.gov. To find a community navigator near you, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/CommunityNavigator.aspx
Who:
• Sylvia Garcia -Acting Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
• GAGDC - Representative Jay Readey
• Donna Miller - Cook County Commissioner
• Vernard Alsberry, Mayor of Hazel Crest, representing South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association
• Calvin Jordan, Supervisor of Rich Township
• Community Navigators (Chamber 57, Cook County, Southland Development Authority (SBDC), South Holland Business Association, Southland Juvenile Justice Council, In His Hands Resource Center)
When: Wednesday, August 18, at 11:30 a.m. (Media arrive at 11:00 a.m.)
11:30 a.m. Press Conference
12:00 p.m. B2B Presentation, Application Opening & Technical Assistance
Where: Village of Matteson Community Center, 20642 Matteson Ave. Matteson, IL 60443
Parking and special instructions: Onsite parking
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