Illinois Concludes Business Relief Grants, 25 Go To Chicago Heights

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the last of nearly $250 million in relief funds has been given away to small businesses through the state's Back to Business program.

The program, which was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, was formed with the intent of encouraging businesses to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pritzker's office told Patch almost 6,500 small businesses received a grant through the program.

Businesses from across the state applied on a rolling basis and were awarded grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000 based on how much each business lost during the pandemic. According to officials, more than half of the grants went to businesses owned by people of color.

"Our administration is fully committed to stepping up for small businesses, and providing them the resources needed to continue being a pathway of opportunity for entrepreneurship and jobs throughout Illinois," Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said in a press release.

Of the businesses that received grants:

• 25 were in Chicago Heights
• 20 were in Tinley Park
• 14 were in Orland Park
• 8 were in Flossmoor
• 6 were in Oak Forest
• 3 were in Homewood