Illinois Opens $2.5 Million Grant Program For Business Support

CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $2.5 million in grant funding for the second round of the Economic Empowerment Centers program. Grants ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 will support nonprofit groups and career education agencies that help startups, existing businesses and entrepreneurs in historically underserved communities. State officials said the first round of funding helped launch 100 businesses and create more than 160 jobs. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.