ELGIN – To help local businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, 29 businesses in the district represented by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) have been awarded grants in the most recent round of Back to Business Program funding.

“Times have been tough on our small businesses, and folks who run and work at these places have been in a state of unpredictability for two years,” Castro said. “The B2B program is helping our salons, restaurants, gyms and more stay open and continue operations safely.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget, which Sen. Castro strongly supported.

So far, DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas. Dozens of businesses in the district Sen. Castro represents received $990,000 total, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $135,000.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure our small businesses were supported as we recover from this pandemic,” Castro said. “The B2B program continues to make a difference in keeping our communities vibrant by helping our local businesses.”

Grants will continue to be awarded on a rolling basis. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program and view a full list of grantees here.