August 13, 2021 – Governor JB Pritzker has announced the Back to Business (B2B) grant program that has set forth $250 million for businesses that have experienced losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic to help support them in their recovery.
A quick breakdown of the important details:
- All eligible businesses are encouraged to apply, but those who have not received ANY relief funding will get priority (PPP, Business Interruption Grant, Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venues Operating Grant, Child Care Restoration Grants).
- $5,000 to $150,000 grants available to cover operations/staff/overhead costs.
- Grants do not need to be paid back but will be taxed (I’m awaiting information on what the tax rate will be).
- Business revenue in 2019 must be less than $20 million, or $35 million or less for hotels.
- Must have experience a loss in revenue of at least $5,000 in 2020 due to pandemic interruptions.
- Must be an independently owned and operated for-profit corporation or LLC, partnership or sole proprietorship (independent contractors or freelance workers that do not operate a sole proprietorship are not eligible).
- Additional eligibility can be found at this link.
Summary of Priority Industry Definitions: (Details for each industry can be found here.)
- Hotels
- Restaurants, Bars, Food Trucks
- Arts Organizations
- Clothing and electronics retail establishments (excluding e-commerce)
- Dry-cleaning and laundry services (excluding coin-operated)
- Home health care services
- Child care providers
- Barbershop and salon services
- Indoor recreation
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Tourism and group transportation (excluding taxis, limos, or rideshare)
- Spectator and social event support services (businesses who receive over 50% of revenue derived from performing activities for the purpose of an event: equipment rental or prep, hair & makeup, caterers, photographers/videographers, promoters, event planners, florists, and printers)
- Museums and movie theater operators that are eligible for but have not received a Shuttered Venues Operating Grant
If you applied for the Business Interruption Grant previously but did not receive funds due to a depletion of funds, you will be eligible for this grant and will need to complete the new application. Your application will be prioritized to receive funds this round.
Applications will be accepted starting on August 18, 2021, and will end on October 13, 2021, or until funds are exhausted. DCEO anticipates making awards on a rolling basis.
Applications and supporting documentation will be submitted online and can be tracked in real-time. You can prepare for the application process early by collecting the documents required listed here.
The EDC will provide free and confidential assistance including technical assistance to businesses. Office hours will be available if you need access to print, scan, and send application documents. Please call 217-422-9520 or email info@decaturedc.com to set up an appointment. Free webinars will also be offered multiple times per week both in the day and evening. More information and details can be found on our website at https://www.decaturedc.com/b2b/.
The EDC encourages your business to apply for this grant if eligible. Below is an interview with Nicole Bateman about Back to Business Grants.
