CHICAGO – To reinvigorate Illinois’ tourism and travel industries and help small businesses continue to recover from the economic hardship of the pandemic, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz applauded news that 54 local businesses are set to receive over $3.5 million in the latest round of Back to Business grants.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the biggest sectors in our state. Hotels alone employ tens of thousands of Illinoisans,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), past chair of the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee. “The lifeline provided by these investments will be a game changer for the vibrant, world-class establishments that call the 6th Senate District home, including Chicago’s first sushi restaurant, Kamehachi, and Bittersweet, an award-winning, women-owned pastry shop.”
The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries, like restaurants and hotels. Ten hotels and 44 restaurants in Feigenholtz’s district will see a combined $3,541,247 in funding through this round of grants.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this grant from the state,” said Evelyn Morris, general manager of The Wiener’s Circle. “These funds will help make sure we can remain one of Lincoln Park’s most iconic institutions.”
Businesses around the state were awarded $175 million in this round of funding. In total, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has provided over $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.
To learn more about grant recipients and the Back to Business program, visit DCEO’s website.
