Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $25 million in available grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz program. Businesses that launched in 2020 or 2021 and remain in operation have faced significant impacts during the pandemic, but they have not been eligible for other federal or state relief programming since they were not operational prior to the pandemic.
To provide hands-on support and raise awareness about the program, the State has mobilized a network of nearly 100 community navigators across Illinois. The Greater Freeport Partnership has once again accepted the role as a community navigator to help spread the word as well as help local businesses apply for grants. To speak about eligibility requirements or for help applying, contact the Partnership at 815-233-1350.
“Small businesses are the heart of our community and the Partnership will continue to offer services to make grant funding available and accessible for eligible businesses within any grant program. We hope local businesses will take advantage of this funding opportunity and ask for our assistance from the Partnership, if needed,” said Executive Director Andrea Schultz Winter.
Applications are open from November 30 through January 11, 2024, and awards are expected to be made several weeks after the deadline date. All eligible applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meets eligibility requirements and submits proper documentation and attestations. Applicants are encouraged to visit b2bnewbiz.com to learn more and apply.
To qualify for the B2B NewBiz program, businesses must have launched between January 2020 and December 2021 and be in an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic or a business that was started by an individual or individuals that became unemployed during the pandemic. Eligible funding amounts are based on when the business was established and whether the business is home-based or operating out of a brick-and-mortar establishment.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is a collaboration of business, community, visitor, and economic development services with the mission to drive economic growth for Freeport and Stephenson County.
