Quincy Chamber of Commerce receives Back to Business grant from state

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today awarded $5 million in grant funding to 151 recipients through the Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program. B2B Chambers provides additional support for local chambers of commerce that experienced negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our growing economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why my administration is providing support to local chambers of commerce through the B2B Local Chambers grant program. The 151 grantees announced today will amplify our efforts to help small businesses who may have been overlooked by previous pandemic aid efforts access the necessary marketing and development resources they need to thrive.

Local chambers of commerce play a vital role in supporting businesses in communities across Illinois. The B2B Local Chambers funding will be used by chambers to market and develop localities, provide small businesses with professional development, and more to support small businesses and entrepreneurs while bolstering economic development. 

The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $20,806. Quincy Chamber President/CEO Bruce Guthrie said the grant would assist the organization in “strengthening our operations and allow us to continue to provide essential services and support to our members.”

As outlined in statute, B2B Local Chambers (20 ILCS 605/605-1105) grant award amounts were determined by total annual revenue declines between 2019 and 2020, as reflected on tax returns. All eligible applicants received a grant as long as the chamber of commerce met eligibility requirements and submitted proper documentation and attestations.

“Through the B2B Local Chambers grant program, the State of Illinois is providing support to dozens of chambers of commerce in communities that were hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Economic development in every corner of the state will continue to grow as local chambers have newfound access to resources to promote marketing and development.”

Eligible chambers of commerce included organizations of businesses and professionals dedicated to improving the economic climate and business development of the community in which they are located that experienced a negative economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible chambers have an annual revenue of $1 million or less.

Below is a list of the chamber organizations across Illinois who received the grants.