ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is encouraging local businesses struggling from the pandemic to apply to the latest round of the Back to Business grant program before tomorrow’s deadline.

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

 “Following a financially rough year of pandemic-related losses, small businesses need our help,” Stadelman said. “Don’t wait – the deadline to apply for these business-saving grants is around the corner. Apply today.”

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. Eligibility guidelines are also available in Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic.

Eight Businesses in the district Stadelman represents have already received $410,000 in grants. They include restaurants, hotels and salons, showing the diversity of the local small business community in Rockford and how many different kinds of businesses are eligible for these grants.

Interested business owners can 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.

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