In the news
Back To Business Grant Program Announced​
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announce $175 million available for Back to Business (B2B)
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on March 21, 2023, that $175 million is available in grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) program. Following state recovery for businesses totaling nearly $1.5 billion, the latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -funded opportunity is designed to provide additional support for the hardest-hit sectors, including restaurants (B2B Restaurants), hotels (B2B Hotels), and businesses or organizations in the creative arts sector (B2B Arts).
Applications will be open April 5-May 10, 2023. DCEO encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions. All eligibility and program information is available here.
Additionally, DCEO will host statewide information kick-off webinar sessions in the next few weeks in both English and Spanish. Dates and registration links are also available on the same site here.
The application portal will open on Wednesday, April 5 with a link provided at the same site here.
More In The News
Brownfields Assessment Grant Community Outreach Begins
The Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) will be hosting public meetings on Tuesday, November 14th in Joliet and Lockport to share information and invite community participation in the Will County Brownfields Program.
A Special Message from the CED
On behalf of the CED Board of Directors and staff, we are deeply saddened by the passing of CED Board Chair Ruth Colby.
Workshop Focuses on Workforce, DEI and Talent Acquisition For Will County Manufacturing Excellence
The Will County CED has aligned with IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) and Joliet Junior College to present the first in a series of workshops aimed at supporting Will County manufacturers looking to grow, plan, improve, and lead.