The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) promotes economic development by providing small businesses with reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement costs. SBIF grants use local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse you for the pre-approved repair or rehab of your business facilities or adjacent land acquisition. SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

Taste of Chicago returns this year with food and music events in three Chicago neighborhoods in June and a “Bite-Sized” version of the classic Lakefront Extravaganza July 8, 9, 10 — showcasing an estimated 30–40 eateries each day, and three main stage evening concerts. Interested food vendors can now apply to participate below.

On Feb. 10, the Senate joined the House of Representatives by introducing the Employee Retention Tax Credit Reinstatement Act. Its sponsors are Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA).

The IRAEF Employee Relief Fund has recently expanded its mission to offer emergency assistance to any Illinois food and beverage worker facing an unanticipated hardship within the past 90 days such as accident, illness, injury, death of an immediate family member, or natural disaster.

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city will drop its mask and proof-of-vaccination mandates on Feb. 28, the same day that masking restrictions are set to expire statewide.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) recently announced sidewalk signs (e.g. A-frame, T-frame, or other temporary self-supporting type signs, placed on the public way) will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining the proper City permit. Street-front businesses will now be able to use sidewalk signs to advertise their business safely and effectively from the sidewalk.

Running a restaurant has never been for the faint of heart, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made staying afloat even harder. Labor shortages, supply chain issues, sick employees, not enough financial assistance, hesitant diners- the list goes on and on and we know if you’re running a restaurant right now this is by no means breaking news. 

The Small Business Administration is stepping into the world of online education.

The National Restaurant Association’s 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry is now available, and IRA members can download a complimentary copy ($349 value) today.

Right now, Black entrepreneurs are facing unique barriers to business success. At SCORE, they’re working to change that by removing those obstacles and providing Black small business owners with access to personalized support. That’s why they created SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs: to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go.

The City of Chicago recently updated its public health order for its proof of vaccination in public places requirements.

Small businesses are a vital part of what makes our neighborhoods exceptional! Alderman Martin's 47th Ward office welcomes the opportunity to highlight your business in the new Small Business Spotlight section of their weekly newsletter. To be considered, tell them more about your story, your business, and/or your staff.

NFIB’s monthly Small Business Economic Trends report shows that small business optimism increased slightly, although significant problems remain – most importantly high levels of inflation as well as the ongoing staffing shortage.  

On Tuesday, January 18, the city of Chicago’s ordinance that regulates the offering of single-use foodware at takeout or delivery from restaurants will go into effect. The ordinance requires restaurants to provide single-use foodware - such as napkins, disposable utensils, or condiment packets - for delivery or takeout only upon request from the customer or at a self-service station.

Grants are a great way to receive growth capital for your small business. With a simple application, you can receive cash and other benefits for your qualifying company.

To help small business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses in the new year, we asked business professionals and leaders for their insights. From investing in quality SEO content to capitalizing on e-commerce, there are many ways to grow your business in 2022.

As we head into 2022, many small business owners have a lot on their minds. Will the new year be one of uncertainty or recovery? Will consumers continue spending? Will employees be on the lookout for another job? Similarly, aspiring entrepreneurs have a lot of questions too. Is 2022 a good year to start a business? They, too, are concerned about consumer behaviors and the mood of the country.

The National Restaurant Association is collecting information on the economic impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please be assured that all information provided is anonymous and strictly confidential. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Please submit a completed survey by January 18.

With winter officially here, please remember to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice to ensure the safety of customers, residents, and visitors in Lakeview and Roscoe Village.