OAK LAWN, IL — Small businesses in Oak Lawn received a total of $540,000 in aid from Illinois’ Back to Business program, according to a news release sent Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office.
Grants were awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, based on a percentage of losses each business experienced during the pandemic, according to the release.
“Illinois responded to the pandemic by providing $1.5 billion in economic relief for childcare providers, local government services, and so many hard-hit small businesses that shape our communities,” Pritzker said. “These are investments that preserve jobs and Main Streets and dreams. When we put our state’s fiscal house in order, we can invest taxpayer dollars in building a stronger Illinois for all who call her home.”
The grant program used funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help small businesses rehire staff, cover operating costs, afford additional customer safety precautions and cover other expenses needed to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release.
Those small businesses in Oak Lawn that received the grants were:
Art Clay World, $20,000
Black Oak Grove, $45,000
St. James Place, $25,000
Chicago Smeros, $60,000
Hi-Style Women’s Salon, $10,000
Home Health Medical, $10,000
Blink Eyebrows, $40,000
Lan Nails, $40,000
Deja Brew Bar and Grille, $90,000
Miami Inn and Suites, $30,000
MK All Around Travel, $55,000
Nap Lodging, $60,000
Omshira 111, Inc., $5,000
Nail Lab, $30,000
Riviera Hair Design, $15,000
Southwest Cuts, $5,000
As of May 4, $250 million in funds through the Back to Business program were awarded through about 6,500 grants to small businesses in more than 475 cities and more than 90 counties across the state, with 96 percent of awards delivered to businesses in disproportionately impacted communities or in the hardest-hit industries, according to the release.
