OAKBROOK TERRACE – Small businesses in Cook and DuPage counties across the 24th Senate District were awarded more than $1.8 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs).

“Businesses have begun moving forward from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are still some needing support to fully recover,” Glowiak Hilton said. “The Back to Business grant program is vital to keeping doors open for thousands of small businesses across the state.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan.

So far – thanks to strong support from Senator Glowiak Hilton – DCEO has provided $200 million in B2B grants to small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. With nearly $50 million left to go, more businesses will have the opportunity to get a share of the relief funds.

“Strong patronage and local support is critical to the health of our small business community,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I’m happy to see so many businesses across the region take advantage of this opportunity.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program or check the status of an existing application by logging into the portal.