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Back to Business (B2B) Grants for Creative Arts, Hotels & Restaurants
The Back to Business (B2B) grant program provides recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Through the state’s B2B and Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.
Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of our efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program.
The program design for B2B Restaurants, B2B Hotels, and B2B Arts, respectively, are based on legislation which established the Restaurant Employment and Stabilization Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1100), Hotel Jobs Recovery Grant Program (20 ILCS 605/605-1095), and the Illinois Creative Recovery Grant program (30 ILCS 709/40).
Applications will be open between April 5 and May 10, 2023. DCEO encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions.
Community Navigator Support Information:
Over 100 community navigators are available across the state to provide support and to help navigate the application process. To identify Navigator Support, please view the following:
Eligibility & Program Information
A brief summary of program information can be found here:
| B2B Resturants | B2B Hotels | B2B Creative Arts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Available | $50 million | $75 million | $50 million |
| Award Range | $5,000-$50,000 | Up to $1,500 per room | $5,000-$250,000 |
| Impact of Receiving Prior Award | Ineligible if business received any prior state relief funding (B2B, BIG, RRF) or more than 10K in local funding Businesses who received federal funding, including PPP are eligible. |
Amount of state or local grants received deducted from overall award amount. | Grant based only on 2021 losses for businesses that received prior state relief funding (BIG or B2B) |
| Spending Guidelines | Flexible spending to support losses | 80% for payroll related costs; 20% flexible spending | Flexible spending to support losses |
| Examples of Eligible Businesses (detailed eligibility requirements can be found in the documents below) |
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Additional Program Information:
One Pagers: Topline program information
Eligibility Guidelines Documents: Detailed eligibility information
B2B Hotels
Note: additional language translations are anticipated to be posted by March 24; please check back for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Detailed Q&A on the program and application process.
B2B Resturants
B2B Arts
Note: additional language translations are anticipated to be posted by March 24; please check back for updates.
Upcoming Webinars
In addition to webinars and outreach hosted by community navigators, DCEO will be hosting statewide information kick-off sessions on the dates below:
Statewide DCEO English-Language Webinars:
Friday, March 24, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, March 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
- Thursday, April 6, 2023, 2:00 p.m.
Spanish-Language Webinar:
Subvenciones Back to Business (B2B por sus siglas en inglés) para restaurantes, hoteles, y empresas de artes creativas
Jueves, 30 de marzo de 11:00 a.m.
Registrese aqui
Partnership with NCRC
DCEO has selected NCRC CDF as program administrator in order to help process a high volume of applications in a timely manner. NCRC CDF is a nonprofit community development financial institution and a mission-based lender working to help bridge the racial wealth divide in America's underserved communities. NCRC CDF will host the application, support with application review, and provide technical assistance and support on application and portal questions.
Application Information:
The application will open on April 5, 2023. Please check back then.