WHAT WE'RE READING
NEWS
City of Chicago
Small Business Improvement
Fund (SBIF) Grant
Are you located in a City of Chicago TIF district and want to renovate your building?

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.

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. You must be located within a SBIF eligible TIF district.

The maximum grant assistance for an industrial property is $150K; for a single-tenant commercial property the maximum is $100K; and for multi-tenant commercial property, it is $50K.

Grant funds are provided after an approved project is complete and all expenses are paid. Please note that River West is the only area available within the WCA service area and closes on August 14, 2020.
Support our open local businesses! Check out our website for information on businesses open for delivery, pick up, live-streaming and more.
NEW MEMBER PROFILE: Smitten Boutique
Smitten Boutique is a cosmopolitan shop, in Chicago's West Loop, that specializes in gifts, custom invitations and capturing the essence of all the most special occasions in people's lives. Learn more about Smitten below!

Who are you?

Kirstin Martin - owner


How long have you been in the neighborhood?

12 years


Why the West Loop?

Because it's the best loop ;0) Honestly, we lived in the West Loop when we opened Smitten and I thought "how can this neighborhood not grow"!! With it's proximity to the Loop, the expressways, the lake - it seemed to have everything - except quality retail!


What are your top challenges in growing your business?

The retail landscape has changed so much in the twelve years we've been open - so just staying up on everything so that we can stay relevant to our customers has been our biggest challenge.


Why did you join the West Central Association? 

I became active in the Madison Row committee and was impressed with what the WCA was trying to do for the neighborhood, so I wanted to be a part of it.


What makes your business unique?

At Smitten we pride ourselves with making our customers our first priority and we strive to give them a memorable experience every time they visit us, whether for their wedding invitations, a special gift or a splurge for themselves.
MEMBER UPDATES
The #GrowWithGoogle livestream workshop provides best practices to support your job search experience–including tips on how to spruce up your resume, searching for jobs on Google & keeping your search organized.
Green City Market re-opened on Saturday, June 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mary Bartleme Park! We will provide an update about our schedule for the remainder of the summer in the coming weeks.

Prefer home deliveries? We've still got you covered on Wednesdays (and pick up will continue to be available at Band of Bohemia on Wednesdays, too). 
EXPLORE GREEKTOWN
Learn about exciting events and happenings in Greektown Chicago. Sign-up to our monthly newsletter.
Greektown Chicago Introduces New Street Art Project with Fanciful Fish Sculptures

Come & Meet Greektown Chicago’s Fun & Fanciful Fish! 
Greektown Chicago is alive with new street art! A school of 22 fanciful fish have landed along Halsted Street between Monroe and Van Buren. Each of the artist-painted fish sculptures is amazing. Some fishies showcase the imagination of Greek School students and teachers. Other fish exhibit the creativity of some of Chicago’s finest professional and emerging artists. 
These fabulous fish are positioned near your favorite shops, bars, and restaurant. And, they will be delighting visitors to Greektown all summer long.

The Greektown Arts Committee appreciates our partnership with the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation and is thankful for the Greek Schools participating in this art display. Read more here

Chamber of Commerce representing businesses in the West Loop, Greektown, Madison Row, Randolph Street, Jackson Blvd., Fulton River District, Fulton Market, United Center Park, Little Italy, Tri-Taylor, University Village and Commons, UIC