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Canal Towns

Canal Towns

A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today.  The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date. 

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Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide
Route 66

Route 66

Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!

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Route 66 News Meet Jennifer Bronk from Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL
Starved Rock

Starved Rock

A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.

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Starved Rock News Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
Events

Events

The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you.  Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.

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All Events Submit Your Event Lodging Packages Music / Performing Arts Festivals
Events News Fireworks at the Joliet Slammers Stadium
I Want To...

I Want To ...

Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor?  If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail?  Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago.  We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.

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Read the Blog Flock to the Rock Grab a Beer Shop Small Find Adventure Sip Some Wine Plan My Wedding Plan a Meeting
I Want To... News 10 Picturesque Winter Images from Around the Heritage Corridor
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Grants Available for Heritage Corridor Members

 

Back 2 Business Small Business Recovery Grants

The Back to Business (B2B) grant program provides recovery grants for businesses in the hardest-hit industries.

Eligible restaurants, hotels and creative arts businesses are eligible to apply for $175 million in available grant funding as part of DCEO's efforts to support ongoing recovery in hard-hit industries. All applicants will receive a grant as long as they meet eligibility requirements, submit proper documentation and attestations required by the program. 

Applications will are open now through May 10, 2023. Familiarize yourself with program eligibility requirements and reach out to local community navigators with any questions.

Eligibility & Program Information

A brief summary of program information can be found here:

 

B2B RESTURANTS

B2B HOTELS

B2B CREATIVE ARTS
Funding Available $50 million $75 million $50 million 
Award Range $5,000-$50,000 Up to $1,500 per room $5,000-$250,000
Impact of Receiving Prior Award

Ineligible if business received any prior state relief funding (B2B, BIG, RRF) or more than 10K in local funding 

Businesses who received federal funding, including PPP are eligible.

 Amount of state or local grants received deducted from overall award amount. Grant based only on 2021 losses for businesses that received prior state relief funding (BIG or B2B)
Spending Guidelines Flexible spending to support losses 80% for payroll related costs; 20% flexible spending  Flexible spending to support losses
Examples of Eligible Businesses (detailed eligibility requirements can be found in the documents below)
  • Restaurants
  • Taverns
  • Bars
  • Caterers
  • Breweries
  • Wineries
  • Hotels
  • Motels
  • Inns
  • Lodging sites
  • Performing and presenting arts
  • Theaters
  • Museums
  • Cultural heritage organizations
  • Arts education

 

Additional Program Information

One Pagers: Topline program information

B2B Restaurants

B2B Hotel

B2B Arts

Eligibility Guidelines Documents: Detailed eligibility information

B2B Restaurants

B2B Hotels

B2B Arts

Webinars about the grant will take place at these dates/times:

APPLY NOW

 

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