
Subscribe
A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!
The Back to Business (B2B) grant program provides recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries.
Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of DCEO's 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.
Applications will are open now through May 10, 2023. Familiarize yourself with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions.
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) |
|
|
|
One Pagers: Topline program information
B2B Restaurants |
B2B Hotel |
B2B Arts |
Eligibility Guidelines Documents: Detailed eligibility information
B2B Restaurants |
B2B Hotels |
B2B Arts |