CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons announced the launch of the 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant, which will have$2.5 million available to assist small businesses located in the 7th District.

“Small business owners across the 7th District have frequently reached out to my office or stopped me in passing to talk about the pressures they face. My staff and I have seen a clear trend of small businesses closing unnecessarily or prematurely in business corridors across the district,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative is in direct response to what we’ve seen, and it will provide a much needed boost to entrepreneurs and mom and pop small businesses across our district who are struggling.”

The7th District Small Business Restoration Grant is intended to provide funds to small businesses who have missed out on previous funding opportunities, are in danger of closure, are facing financial hardship, and identify as historically underserved. Simmons secured funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget to provide one-time, $10,000 micro-grants to qualified small businesses operating in brick and mortar sites within the 7th District.