Two area chambers of commerce are receiving nearly $85,000 in grant funding designed to provide additional targeted support for small businesses that have struggled to recover from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“Local chambers supported our small businesses and communities during the height of the pandemic, underscoring the need for additional funding to propel their recovery efforts,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We worked to secure vital relief for small businesses over the last few years, and it’s great to see this grant program continuing to make a real difference in the local economy.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, grants through the Back to Business Local Chambers program will be used by chambers to market and develop local communities, provide professional development opportunities to entrepreneurs and support small businesses while bolstering economic development.

Eligible chambers of commerce included organizations dedicated to improving business development in their communities – particularly those that suffered negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 150 eligible chambers received grant awards. In the 22^nd District, the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce will see $39,147, and the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce is set to receive $45,488.

A full list of grantees can be found here. For more information about the B2B program, visit DCEO’s website.