Section 691.10  Purpose

The purpose of the Back to Business Grant Program ("Program") is to provide financial support to for-profit businesses or not-for-profit organizations that have experienced economic harm, financial hardship, or other adverse conditions due to the COVID-19 public health emergency [20 ILCS 605/605-1050]. In this Part, financial assistance provided through the Program shall be consistent with the requirements of the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund ("CSFRF") implemented by Section 602 of Title VI of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 802 et seq.) and any rules or guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (including, but not limited to https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-05-17/pdf/2021-10283.pdf and https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/SLFRPFAQ.pdf), the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity ("DCEO"), and any other applicable State and federal agency. Financial assistance shall be prioritized for communities most in need of assistance, as determined by numbers or rates of infection and economic measures identified in this Part. Assistance may be used to adopt safer operating procedures, weather periods of closure, or mitigate financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. DCEO will identify how the Program addresses the identified need or impact faced by small businesses. The Program may utilize a series of funding opportunities.