I am excited about the initiatives we have coming out of the City Treasurer's Office and how they will impact the residents of our great city.
One of the initiatives we released this week is the CTO Small Business Series. We are highlighting businesses that have managed to rebound during the pandemic through a loan from the Small Business Resiliency Fund, which my office funded through the Chicago Community Catalyst Fund. I spoke with one of the recipients, Nicole Jordan Catering, and we've posted the interview and her story below for you to check out.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year, it's personal for me after losing my close friend to breast cancer earlier in the year. My office is partnering with Sista Strut to raise awareness that we need a cure for breast cancer. This month, we'll be releasing a series of videos that we're hoping will drive the importance of funding breast cancer research. The first video we released is below and we are also working on programming for the month to bring attention to the need for a cure.
We're also winding down to the October 15 deadline for the Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship. This scholarship is open to ALL Chicago seniors who plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university.
We look forward to you joining us this month for one of our upcoming programs and invite you to share our videos and initiatives on social media to spread the word.
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In Case You Missed It: CTO Small Business Series Spotlights Nicole Jordan Catering, Recipient of a Small Business Loan |
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Nicole Jordan is anything but faint of heart. Proof of that was clear when in 2016 she left a solid career in finance and leapt in feet first to found her own catering company – Nicole Jordan Catering. But nothing prepared her for the sudden reversal in fortunes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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7 Days Left to Apply for the Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship! |
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In partnership with BMO Harris Bank, we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by offering TWO scholarships to TWO deserving Chicago high school seniors! We're asking all students to provide an essay of up to 500 words detailing a Hispanic American who played a role in shaping Chicago's future and how they plan to use their college experience to build on that legacy.
The contest is open until October 15. The best response and application will be announced by City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin next month. Make sure you apply through CPS Academic Works or send your essay and accompanying information to [email protected].
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City Treasurer's Office PSA for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
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Financial Resources
Google for Startups
Google for Startups is Google’s initiative to help startups thrive across every corner of the world. We bring the best of Google's products, connections, and best practices to enable startups to build something better. Click here to access Google's resources for your business.
A.M. Money
Congratulations to our friends at A.M. Money, who have received a sizeable investment from Google's Black Founders Fund, to support their work in providing flexible and affordable financing for low-income college students. Additionally Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners and A.M. Money will address the needs of college graduates during the critical transition point – from graduation to the workforce – by providing TrustPlus live financial coaching as an added feature for A.M. Money’s student loan borrowers. Learn more on October 15th at the Nonprofit-Fintech Exchange: Meeting the Complex Needs of Workers and Students event.
The Lemonade Land
The Lemonade Land is a place for small and micro-businesses to have an outdoor space for their businesses to safely sell their products. We want to connect our neighbors, support their creativity, facilitate their selling goods and services, and improve our community economy. Find more information here.
Business Interruption Grants Program
The Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program is a $636 million program developed by Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to provide economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. BIG leverages federal funding provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses. Click here for more information.
Rebuild Distressed Communities Program
Rebuild Distressed Communities is a $25 million economic recovery program to support economically distressed Illinois businesses and communities that have sustained property damage due to civil unrest on or after May 25th, 2020. For more details on this grant, click here.
Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration is offering the Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program to assist homeowners in low-income areas across Chicago reduce the amount of lead levels in water. For more details on if you qualify for this program, visit chi.gov/leadsafe.
Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) - SomerCor
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) promotes economic development by providing small businesses with financial assistance for building-improvement costs. SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the City’s Department of Planning and Development for the SBIF program. Grants are provided to property owners after work is completed and bills are paid. Click here for more information.
Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund
One Fair Wage is actively raising money for the Topped and Service Worker Support Fund and will be making temporary cash gifts to workers as funding becomes available. Cash assistance is available for restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more. Click here for more information.
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
The City of Chicago's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund opened for grant applications from entrepreneurs and nonprofit groups on the South, West and Southwest sides September 14, with more than $5 million in funding available. A map of eligible areas can be found on the program's website here.
IRS Home Office Deduction
As many small business have transitioned to working from home, they might be eligible to claim some of their expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, insurance, utilities and more. To see if you qualify, visit IRS.gov for more information.
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Travel Restrictions
Travelers from the following states and territories should quarantine upon arrival in Chicago: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Stay up to date with travel restrictions on a weekly basis here.
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There is Still Time to Be Counted |
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If you haven't completed your census, there is still time! It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.
It is more important now than ever to complete you census online, by phone or by mail. I urge you to complete your census today.
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If you did not receive an invitation to respond from the Census Bureau, you may respond online at 2020census.gov or through any of these toll-free phone numbers:
- English: 844-330-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
- TDD: 844-467-2020
- Mandarin: 844-391-2020
- Cantonese: 844-398-2020
- Polish: 844-479-2020
- Arabic: 844-416-2020
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We Have Just 26 Days Until the General Election!
We have 26 days until the general election in November! This is one of the most important elections of our lifetime and it's paramount to make your voice heard. Make sure you, your family members and friends are registered to vote.
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Don't Forget to Follow Us! |
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