Sen. Stadelman highlights small business grants

ROCKFORD — State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, is highlighting small business grants the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding to Rockford businesses and other small business communities across the state that have been hit hardest by COVID-19-related losses and closures.

The grants are the first round of the Business Interruption Grant program. The state program will award funds to businesses that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a large portion of the grants being awarded to child care providers.

The first round of grants range from $10,000-$20,000 and can be used to help businesses with expenses like payroll costs, rent, utilities, equipment and possible unexpected costs to relieve the effects of the pandemic, such as personal protective equipment, training and new technology.

The first round of awards includes a diverse group of businesses and focuses on small businesses. Recipients are required to prove annual revenues of $3 million or lower.

For a full list of grant recipients: tinyurl.com/y3rqf8r6.