Chicago Fire vs. LA Galaxy
Saturday, June 1st at 7:30 pm
Argentina vs. Ecuador
Sunday, June 9th at 5:30 pm
Kenny Chesney Concert
Saturday, June 15th at 5:00 pm
Billy Joel Concert
Friday, June 21st at 7:00 pm
Rolling Stones Concert
Thursday, June 27th at 8:00 pm
Rolling Stones Concert
Sunday, June 30th at 8:00 pm
Chicago Star Award from the City Treasurer's Office
The Chicago Star Award aims to highlight the remarkable contributions of small businesses in Chicago and foster community involvement by inviting members of the public to nominate local establishments that contribute to the vibrancy of their communities.
The City Treasurer's Office (CTO) will provide resources to the winners to help enhance their visibility, marketing, and overall success. Additionally, awardees will gain access to exclusive business workshops facilitated by the CTO’s community partners, covering essential topics like financial management, digital marketing, and growth strategies. Recipients will also receive a special invitation to the fourth annual Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Financial Education and Empowerment Summit at the UIC Forum on October 12, where they will find networking opportunities and further professional development.
To be eligible, businesses must operate within the City of Chicago, be registered with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and have no outstanding delinquent debt or felonies. Additionally, nominated businesses must not currently be engaged in business with the Chicago Treasurer's Office in any capacity, nor be a franchise or a large business with more than 500 employees.
Nominations for the Chicago Star Award are open NOW and remain open until 11:59 p.m. Central on September 2, 2024. To submit a nomination or learn more, visit. www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/chicagostars.
City to Relaunch TIFWorks Program
The Department of Planning and Development's Small Business Development Bureau is preparing for the relaunch of the TIFWorks program aimed at businesses & companies within TIF districts. This initiative offers reimbursement grants to small businesses to subsidize training, enhancing business performance, profitability, and increase workforce productivity in Chicago. In the 3rd Ward, businesses in the following TIFs may be eligible for TIFWorks funds when the program is fully operational by the end of this year or early next year: 47th/Halsted, 47th/King Drive, 47th/State, Bronzeville, Michigan/Cermak.
To keep updated on the release of TIFWorks applications, or for complete program rules and regulations, please visit the Department of Planning and Development's website.
47th/King Dr. SBIF Opens Saturday, June 1st
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF districts in June.
Applications open: 9 a.m. Saturday, June 1st
Applications close: 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30th
The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.
Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid.
Free White Sox Ticket for Veterans
The Cook County Clerk's Office is again teaming up with the Chicago White Sox to offer a game ticket to veterans, active-duty military, national guard and reserves. To get a ticket, simply sign up for the free Military and Veterans Discount Card with the Cook County Clerk's office, present your card at the Gate 4 Box Office window at Guaranteed Rate Field within two hours of game time, and claim your complementary ticket. Tickets are subject to availability and are good for Monday-Thursday home games, excluding games held on June 24-26, and August 12-14. Learn more at cookcountyclerk.com/veterans or call 312-603-5788.
SBA Expands 504 Green Loan Program
Effective April 30, 2024, the Small Business Administration (SBA) removed the $16.5 million cap on Energy Public Policy projects, also known as Green Loans, financed by the SBA 504 Loan Program.
Borrower benefits to using the SBA 504 Green Loan are:
- Larger SBA/CDC Loan Amount – SBA maximum contribution is up to $5.5 million per loan - compared to a $5 million maximum for non-green projects. There is no limit on total project cost.
- Unlimited Aggregated Lending – Borrowers can now have multiple SBA 504 Green Loans with no aggregate cap limit on capital.
To be eligible for a SBA 504 Green Loan, borrowers must meet one of these metrics:
- Reduce energy consumption by at least 10 percent (compared to historical consumption) through building upgrades.
- Generate at least 15% renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biomass) through property upgrades.
- Increase the use of sustainable design, including designs that reduce the use of greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels or low-impact design that reduce the use of non-renewable resources and minimize environmental impact.
The SomerCor team is here to help. Visit the SomerCor website to learn how the SBA 504 Green Loan can help your clients.
The Odyssey Project
The Illinois Humanities Odyssey Project is a free college-credit bearing humanities program for income-eligible adults who have had limited access to higher education. The University of Chicago’s Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity is proud to support this program. Apply by June 15 here.
Do You Have The Best Yard?
Do you live in the Bronzeville, Douglas, Englewood, Kenwood, Grand Boulevard, Hyde Park, Oakland or Washington Park community? Do you have the best yard in the neighborhood? If so, enter the best yard competition sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Omega Omega Chapter. Prizes are $200, $100, and $75. Contest rules and entry forms are available here. Entries will be accepted between May 22nd and June 22nd.
Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
The Chicago Park District and the Shirley Ryan Abilitylab are sponsoring a Veterans Summer Sports Clinic featuring rock climbing, archery, pickleball, golf, and disc golf. To register, click here. Questions, email veterans@chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Where: McKinley Park (2210 W. Pershing Rd.)
When: Monday, June 3rd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
First Monday Jazz with Jeremiah Collier and the Re-Up Band
JC AND THE RE-UP BAND consists of unique musicians who value culture, good morals, and a love for diverse music genres, including Latin, Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Neo Soul. Based in the Chicagoland area, the band gained popularity through their Porch Sessions on Chicago's South Side, specifically on 74th and Indiana Ave. This exposure led to numerous opportunities and featured them on the COFFEE MUSIC platform, where their video garnered 1.8 million views. Led by drummer Jeremiah Collier, who has collaborated with renowned artists like Kamasi Washington and Stanley Clarke, the band aims to reach new heights with passion and love for music. Register here.
Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)
When: Monday, June 3rd from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Building a Future Narrative - Building a Financial Forecast
Financial forecasting involves predicting a company's financial future by examining historical trends and incorporating assumptions about the future. By having a forecast available, owners can better position the business to navigate good times and bad. Register at www.qcdcbronzeville.eventbrite.com.
Where: QCDC Office (4210 S. Berkeley Ave.)
When: Monday, June 3rd from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
NHS Financial Literacy Webinar
Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.
When: Tuesday, June 4th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)
Credit Repair For Small Businesses
Navigating the financial landscape as a small business owner can be challenging, especially when it comes to managing credit. A healthy credit score is not just a number—it’s a key that unlocks opportunities for growth and stability. Join Accion Opportunity Fund in their upcoming webinar, “Credit Repair for Small Businesses,” where experts will share insights and practical tips to help you repair and enhance your business credit. Register for the virtual event here.
When: Wednesday, June 5th at noon
NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar
Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions. This is a virtual meeting.
When: Thursday, June 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)
FAME Center Block Party
School is out, and the party is on! FAME (Fortson Arts and Music Education) Center, a nonprofit organization that offers a wide variety of music, theater, creative writing and art classes for children in the South Loop, is hosting its first annual block party! With an initiative to encourage attendees to donate, FAME Fest is a free event that will help fundraise for the center's upcoming summer camp program, allowing the staff to grant scholarships and buy supplies. To register for FAME Fest, please visit
www.famecenter.org/event-details-registration/fame-fest.
Where: 1319 S. State St.
When: Friday, June 7th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Vehicle Safety Giveaway
The 2nd District CAPS Office is sponsoring a vehicle safety giveaway. Steering wheel locks, catalytic converter stickers, and gun locks will be provided for free, while supplies last. Questions? Please call 312-747-5109.
Where: 35th St. and Prairie Ave.
When: Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Doing Business with Bally's Supplier Diversity Vendor Fair
Don’t miss an opportunity to join Bally’s Chicago Purchasing and Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC) to learn more about contracting opportunities for the Bally’s Chicago Casino project. Meet with City of Chicago, Cook County and other certifying agencies along with a host of business development resources. Engage with key stakeholders and decision-makers for match-making possibilities. There will be an open forum for networking and dedicated sessions to enhance your learning. Register for the event here.
Where: Chicago Teachers Union (1901 W. Carroll)
When: Tuesday, June 11th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Women Veteran Recognition Day
You are invited to join the Women's Health Program for a special Chicago boat tour along the beautiful Chicago River. Let's celebrate Women Veteran Recognition Day together! Seats are limited. For more information or to RSVP please call 312-569-8387 ext. 59339.
When: Wednesday, June 12th at noon
KKC Instant Admissions Day
Unlock your future in a day at Kennedy-King College! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to complete your admissions process in just one day. Bring your academic records and identification to expedite your process. For registration go to https://forms.office.com/r/msV88E22v2 or call 773-602-5090.
Where: Kennedy-King College W Building (6343 S. Halsted St.)
When: Thursday, June 13th starting at 9:30 am
Prayer on the Corner
The 2nd District CAPS Office, Rain or Shine Baptist Church, and Chicago City Life Center are hosting a Payer on the Corner event with remarks from Pastor Olumide. Come and experience the dynamic worship and powerful prayer.
Where: 35th St. and Prairie Ave.
When: Thursday, June 13th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
RearView Mirror Sessions: George Benson
We will start at the Green Line Performing Arts Center with a lecture by Duane Powell, renowned music historian and DJ, as he brings to life George Benson's music and legacy. After the lecture, we will move to the Arts Lawn for an evening of relaxation on the green with music from our talented musical guest, Larry Brown, Jr. Register here.
Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)
When: Thursday, June 13th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tour the Arts Block
You're invited to take a walking tour of all four venues managed by Arts + Public Life: Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn. We will discuss the rich cultural history and current context of the Arts Block as it relates to the Washington Park neighborhood and offer details about the purpose and function of the venues along the historic block of East Garfield Boulevard. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the APL programs and community engagement initiatives. Register here.
Where: Arts Incubator (301 E. Garfield Blvd.)
When: Friday, June 14th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Adult Book Discussion: Three Girls from Bronzeville
Join King Branch for a discussion of Dawn Turner's memoir Three Girls from Bronzeville. "They were three Black girls. Dawn, tall and studious; her sister, Kim, younger by three years and headstrong as they come; and her best friend, Debra, already prom-queen pretty by third grade. They bonded—fervently and intensely in that unique way of little girls—as they roamed the concrete landscape of Bronzeville, a historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, the destination of hundreds of thousands of Black folks who fed the ravages of the Jim Crow South.
Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)
When: Saturday, June 15th from 11:00 am to noon
Little Builders: Books and Block Play
Join us for some fun, indoor playtime offering imaginative open play with a variety of blocks and fun building toys. For kids 0 to 6 and their caregivers.
Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)
When: Thursday, June 20th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Joffrey for All
The Joffrey Ballet is hosting an open house at their South Loop studios as part of their Joffrey for All program. The Joffrey Ballet South Loop Studios offer free dance classes for all ages and all ability levels. To sign up click here.
Where: Joffrey Ballet South Loop Studios (1920 S. Wabash Ave.)
When: Sunday, June 23rd from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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