August 2024 - Housing Ordinance Introduced - $5M for Tourism Grants - Vets Benefits - Business Resources - Navigating the Convention - Outdoor Eats - Fall Events

Aldermen Introduce Housing Ordinance


In July, area aldermen introduced the Northwest Side Housing Preservation Ordinance to the Chicago City Council. The ordinance, a collaboration of Aldermen Ramirez-Rosa (35), Daniel La Spata (1), Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25), Jessie Fuentes (26), Ruth Cruz (30), Felix Cardona (31), and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) is intended to promote housing affordability, mitigate displacement, and protect the historic character and diversity of Chicago neighborhoods.  


Overall, the NWSHP Ordinance is crafted to...

  • Protect two, three, and four flats from demolition by assessing a demolition surcharge fund for the Chicago Housing Trust and the Here To Stay Land Trust to build and preserve affordable housing in our communities. 
  • Protect affordable middle housing by disallowing the conversion of two, three, and four flats to luxury single-family homes on blocks with existing multi-family apartment buildings.
  • Provide tenants with a right of first refusal and an opportunity to purchase their building when it goes on sale. 
  • Legalize the construction of new two-flats by right in zones currently only zoned for single-family homes.


Click HERE to learn more about the Ordinance in a Block Club article 

State Announces $5M in Grant Funding for Tourism


Governor JB Pritzker recently announced application open for two grant programs to fund tourism. Click on program names for info.


  • The Route 66 Grant Program offers funding from $20,000 to $300,000- is open to certified local tourism and convention bureaus to promote, develop, preserve, and educate visitors about assets along

llinois Route 66 in preparation for the 100th Anniversary in 2026. File by 9/3/24


  • The International Tourism Grant Program offers grants between $10,000 to $250,000 to fund marketing directed to identified target markets, including Mexico, Canada, German-speaking countries of Germany, UK/Ireland, Austria and Switzerland, France, India, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. File by 9/16/24


  • International Tourism Technical Assistance (TA) session on August 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Applicants can join the session here.

What's Happening at the NW Connection Chamber of Commerce?

EVENTS & OUTINGS - click on event for flyer


North-Pulaski Public Library - 4300 W. North Avenue

Like & Follow NWCC's Facebook page...

Events and other resources are posted there daily between eNews ssues.

New NWCC Member - Alambre Electric

Commercial, Residential & Industrial

820 N. Francisco Avenue - 224-349-5549

Jonathan@alambreelectric.com

WELCOME & THANK YOU to NWCC Members...

for their support & membership renewal

Alambre Electric - American Veterans - Bionic Auto Parts - Carnicerias Jimenez - Challenge Prints - Chicago Auto Radiator - Community Savings Bank - Cozy Corner Restaurant - Dardon Exteriors - Dunkin Donuts - Elliott's Augusta Pizza - Evans Gzesh - Fampreneur Poder Hub - Galilleo Optical - Helpico Insurance - Jordan Auto Body - Midwest Fence - Helpico Insurance - Latino Tax Corporation - Logan Square Pest Control - Madrid Jewelers - McDonalds (4338 W. North) - Monitor Dental Clinic - Norford Hotel - North Pulaski Currency Exchange - North Pulaski Food Market - North-Pulaski Historical Society - Old National Bank - Pahlke & Pahlke Insurance - Parkside Food & Liquor - Pronto Auro Repair - Raila & Associates - Resilient Bookkeeping - Roeser's Bakery - Second City Roofing - Seligman Animal Hospital - SomerCor - Adam Greene, State Farm Insurance - Jennifer Santiago/State Farm Insurance - Joe Wilson, State Farm Insurance - Deboray Smith, Strauss Realty - U-Haul - Wash Smart Laundry - Wintrust Bank

View NWCC Membership: Alphabetical or by Category

Get your Free Copy of NWCC's 2024 Business & Shopping Guide

Call or email Pete Schmugge at the Chamber

773/558-8743 - nwconnectioncc@gmail.com

If you're interested in advertising in the 2025 Guide - Click HERE

Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF)



Offered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties, SBIF grants are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in designated TIF districts.



Program participants can receive grants to cover from 30 to 90 percent of the cost of pre-approved remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. Click to learn more about the program.


Opened 08/01/2024: Fullerton/Milwaukee

Opens 09/01/2024: Division & Homan - Humboldt Park -

9/4/2024 - SBIF Information Webinar - click to register

Programs & Discounts for Veterans


The Cook County Clerk's Office offers a Military & Veterans Discount Card with exclusive discounts at local businesses in appreciation for their service. 


In addition, there are other programs, initiatives, and information for veterans to explore on the website, including homeowner exemption, hiring preferences, small business funding, and assistance. 

For Vets: Click here to apply for the discount card/other programs

Register Your Business to offer discounts to Vets

Business Resources

Explore the available BACP, City, State,

and Federal resources for businesses.


For additonal assitance, Contact NWCC Executive Director Pete Schmugge at 773/558-8743

or email nwconnectioncc@gmail.com

Click on individual sources to explore

Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

City of Chicago - Cook County - State of Illinois - Federal

Before winter, treat yourself and check out some local spots featured in Eater's "Chicago’s Essential Outdoor Dining Spots. Click for full article.

Rica Arepa in Hermosa serves up a delightful menu of Venezuelan specialties. Signature offerings include shredded chicken and beef, a sweet and savory gouda treat,

and solid veggie options. Enjoy the casual atmosphere; the enclosed patio is

comfortable in any season.

Click name to go to website

Rica Arepa

4253 W. Armitage Avenue

Parson's Chicken

2952 W. Armitage Avenue

Bang Bang Pies

2051 N. California Avenue

Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant

1865 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Taxim

1558 N. Milwaukee Avenue

"A Locals’ Guide To Getting Around

During The Democratic National Convention"

Per Block Club/Chicago, the upcoming Democratic National Convention "....will put Chicago on a national stage with several thousand delegates, 12,000 volunteers and hundreds of national and local media streaming into the city..." Their article, which covers street closures/rerouting to security zones and protests, will help you navigate."

Click here for article -

Here to subscribe and know what's happening in your neighborhood

Local Real Estate for Sale & Lease - click addresses to view brochures

For Sale

3755 N. Harlem Avenue, 60634*

*Photo above

2542 W. North Avenue, 60647

3821 W. North Avenue, 60647

1745 N. Cicero Avenue, 60639

Sale or Lease/2,700 SF

5245-51 W. Grand Avenue, 60639

2711 N. Pulaski Avenue, 60639


Realtors/property owners are invited to send properties for inclusion

info@inbusinesschicago.com

For Lease

4006 W. Belden Avenue, 60639

2000-5000 SF

4620-22 W. Fullerton Avenue, 60639

6,500 SF

1657 N. Kostner Avenue, 60639*

*Photo above

4914 W. Armitage Avenue, 60639

730 SF - Office

3850 W. Cortland Avenue, 60647

1,000 - 15,000 SF

5634-50 W. Fullerton Avenue, 60639

1,125 SF

The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce is a Place Making Generalist agency for the City of Chicago Business Affairs Neighborhood Business Development Center, funded to assist the Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and NorthAustin Communities.

Click to go to the website - Visit our Facebook page