'Life changing': New funds will help Cook County small businesses recover from pandemic

Published September 29, 2022 4:54 PM CDT

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle calls it "life changing for thousands of small business owners in Cook County."

The "Grow Grant" program will distribute $71 million to small businesses through 2026.

Preckwinkle says this year's program alone will distribute $25 million, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan.

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Small businesses will each receive $10,000 if they have fewer than 20 employees and can demonstrate a negative impact from the pandemic.

Priority will be given to businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ and people with disabilities.

Small business owners have from October 3 through November 1 to apply for the grants.

Cook CountySmall BusinessNewsToni Preckwinkle