OAKBROOK TERRACE – Seven additional small businesses in the 24th Senate District were awarded $350,000 in combined funding from the Back to Business grant program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the support of State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“By offering support to some of our state’s hardest hit industries - including dining, hospitality, salons, fitness and the arts - we are lending a hand to a diverse, inclusive group of small business owners,” Glowiak Hilton said. “These grants will allow many DuPage County businesses retain employees, cover operating expenses and serve patrons effectively as our economy recovers from financial strains.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Sen. Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

In the district Sen. Glowiak Hilton represents, 16 businesses in total were awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 to help them cover the costs of safely staying open through the ongoing pandemic . Businesses ranged from hotels to an escape room and more.

“Small businesses have been resilient in these unpredictable times,” Glowiak Hilton said. “We can all help by prioritizing shopping small and utilizing the services our community has.”

Businesses will continue to be notified of their application status throughout the next few weeks until all the funds are exhausted. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.