PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging local small businesses to take advantage of Back to Business grants by submitting applications before the Oct. 13 deadline.

Koehler and the General Assembly allocated $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for small businesses experiencing COVID-19 losses, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will continue to award grants on a rolling basis.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” Koehler said. “They kept their doors open and provided services through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it’s time for them to receive the help they deserve.”

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply by visiting the DCEO website. To help restore operational losses incurred during the pandemic, the B2B program will provide grants ranging in size from $5,000 to $150,000, commensurate with losses experienced. DCEO will continue to accept applications for B2B grants through Oct. 13, 2021.

“Our community has already received over $250,000 in the first wave of Back to Business grants,” Koehler said. “I am pleased to know that so many local businesses have taken advantage of this great opportunity, and I hope that even more business owners will submit applications before the deadline.”

Koehler encourages residents to reach out to his office at 309-677-0120 or SenatorDaveKoehler.com with questions or concerns.