Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announces Back to Business Grant Program
Businesses needing application assistance may take advantage of new Community Navigator program

[September 19, 2021]  On August 18, 2021, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will announce the official opening of the $250 Million Back to Business Grant Program application portal.,

The Back to Business (B2B) grant program offers 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.

Three Community Navigators are available for Logan County.

First is for businesses within the city of Lincoln

Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development,
Andrea Runge,
1 Burwell Drive, PO Box 235, 
Lincoln 62656
[e-mail]
217-836-4999
http://thriveinlincoln.org/

For the county two options are available:

Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Christell Frausto
2600 N Knoxville Ave. Peoria 61604 [e-mail]
309-349-4636 https://www.peoriahispanicchamber.
com/

Peoria Black Business Alliance
Denise Moore
2139 SW Adams St. PO Box 172
Peoria 61650 [e-mail]
309-966-3989
http://bbapeoria.org/

[Attribution]