Munoz encourages businesses to apply for grants with upcoming deadline

CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging local businesses struggling from pandemic losses to apply for the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Overall, the B2B program will provide $250 million in American Rescue Plan dollars for small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. Grants will range from $5,000 to $150,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range of operations, such as staff and overhead costs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and show the diversity of our state,” Munoz said. “Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to see businesses close their doors. I strongly encourage business owners to take advantage of this grant opportunity before it closes.”

Priority is given to businesses in hard-hit industries, in hard-hit areas, and with revenues less than $5 million, as well as businesses that have not yet received any government assistance.

More than 45 businesses in the district Munoz represents have already received nearly $2.3 million in grants. They include restaurants, medical centers, beauty parlors, art studios and more demonstrating the diversity of the local small business community and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for grants.

“A large number of grants have already awarded to businesses in the 1st District, but there is still funding available” Munoz said. “Business owners and employees have worked tirelessly to provide for the community – now it’s time for us to help them.”

Learn more about the B2B grant program and start an application on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 13.