CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced that the deadline for the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant has been extended to Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. to allow for as many 7th District small businesses to apply as possible.

The 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant is a result of $2.5 million in funds he secured to provide one-time, $10,000 grants to small businesses across the community last year.

“It is important that as many 7th District small businesses apply for this grant as possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Over the last year and a half, so many small business owners have stopped me in passing or come to our district office to request help. I am so proud to be able to secure this funding for our small businesses.”

The 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant was created in direct response to extraordinary challenges small business owners face - including the impacts of gentrification, rent increases, lack of credit, language access barriers, labor and inventory shortages, building issues, inflation, and more. The application is available in several languages, including Amharic, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Persian.

“This grant is specifically for small businesses in the 7th District and is intended for those who have missed out on previous grant opportunities,” said Simmons. “Thank you to the five local chambers of commerce for collaborating with our office, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their partnership.”

Full details on the grant, including the application and eligibility, can be found here. Applications are open until Friday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.