May 2026

GNCDC is bringing you the latest community and business updates!



Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance reaches a new APEX!

Learn more here.



Find the right grant for your project

From small grants with a cap of $250,000 to large grants in excess of $5 million, support is available for projects of all sizes.


CDG Applications are now open. Apply by 11:59 p.m.

on Friday, Aug. 14 2026


NOF 2026 Applications are now open. Apply by 11:59 p.m

on Friday, May 15, 2026







SBIF Rollout Calendar 2026


May 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Friday, May 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6


June 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Monday, June 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3


July 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, July 1


August 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5


September 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2


October 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7


November 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4


December 2026

OPENS: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1

CLOSES: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2


The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for grants each month in various TIF districts across Chicago.

Eligible businesses must submit their application during the month-long application window for their TIF district to qualify for funding.



The application must be submitted to DPD’s program administrator, SomerCor. For additional program information or application assistance, visit the SomerCor website at www.somercor.com/sbif.



4850 W Bloomingdale Ave

160,000 SF, 68% Leased Industrial Building

M1-2 - M1-2 Zoning, Light Manufacturing Zone 25,000 parking or material storage

Chicago, IL 60639

$6,500,000 ($40.63/SF)


Click Here






Commercial and Industrial Program

The Commercial and Industrial Program provides energy efficiency rebates, resources, expert support and project management for customers. No matter your type of operation, the program team can help your business reduce its energy use. Our team can identify energy-saving opportunities customized for your business.
There are many ways for you to save, including:

  • Free energy-saving products for qualifying customers
  • Custom and prescriptive project rebates
  • Energy studies
  • Expert support







Industrial Strategic Energy Management


Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation has been working The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program, which offers a range of incentives and rebates for energy-saving upgrades, including lighting, HVAC, refrigeration systems, solar, EV charging stations, and more.


Contact GNCDC to set up an Energy Efficiency Assessment of your building or fleet.



ComEd Energy Efficiency Program Incentives Click Here




Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Resources 


 Free May Webinars




Finalized Rule Updates for Worker Protections

May 19th 2026

10:00 am to 11:15 am

Presented by Adam Weller, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Labor Standards

The Chicago Office of Labor Standards (OLS) is updating its rules for Fair Workweek and Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinances. Employers and workers are encouraged to attend to learn about these important updates. OLS will also introduce new online resources designed to help both workers and employers better understand their rights and obligations, as well as a guide that provides an overview of the OLS investigation process. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Register



Turning Passion into Profit: Funding Your Start-Up Dream

May 20th 2026

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Presented by Score Chicago

Did you know the biggest challenge to starting a business is a shortage of capital? Do you know where successful entrepreneurs find funding for their business? Or where even to start to look? This webinar will help you navigate through the process of financing your dream. The webinar will go through real sources of capital, describe why banks will not likely be helpful, and provide valuable financial projection tools. Topics Covered in the Funding Webinar include Start-up Costs, Micro Lenders, Family & Friends, Donation Funding and Angel Investing.

Register



Actualizaciónes finales a las reglas de protecciónes para trabajadores

May 21st 2026

10:00 am to 11:15 am

Presentado por Miguel Campos, Director, Oficina de Normas Laborales

La Oficina de Normas Laborales (OLS) de Chicago está actualizando sus normas sobre las Ordenanzas de Semana Laboral Justa y el Tiempo Libre Pagado y Tiempo Pagado por Enfermedad y Seguridad. Se anima a los empleadores y a los trabajadores a participar para aprender sobre estas importantes actualizaciones. La OLS también presentará nuevos recursos en línea diseñados para ayudar tanto a los trabajadores como a los empleadores a comprender mejor sus derechos y obligaciones, además un recurso que ofrece una visión general del proceso de investigación de la OLS. Habrá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas al final de la presentación.

Registrese aqui



Empower Hour: Little Ripper Skateboarding

May 21st 2026

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

In honor and recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May’s Empower Hour will feature BACP Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai chatting with Enrico Hufana, Owner of Little Ripper Skateboarding. Little Ripper Skateboarding, located in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood, offers skateboarding lessons for kids of all skill levels. The instructors teach beginners how to ride safely and help experienced skaters improve their tricks in a private indoor skatepark. As an official Chicago Public Schools after-school provider, the facility is a space where kids build confidence, make friends and discover what they’re capable of achieving. The candid conversation will cover the start and growth of the business, community responsibility, and youth programs and partnerships. The webinar will end with a Q&A for attendees to ask questions.

Register



Adopting a Digital Mindset

May 22nd 2026

9:30 am to 11:00 am

Presented by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)

In this workshop you will learn what a digital mindset is and why it is essential for you and your small business to grow and stay competitive. We will discuss how to choose the right digital tools and solutions for your business needs, how to measure performance and impact, and how to foster a digital culture among your employees. You will also have practical tools and tips to help you implement your digital strategy and grow your business.

Register



Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance

May 29th 2026

9:30 am to 11:00 am

Presented by Sandra Cavoto Insurance Agency

In this session, attendees will learn the coverages needed for their business. We'll discuss the right questions to ask your insurance professional and how to protect yourself and your business against lawsuits.

Register







Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

 

Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.

Click on the link to find out what ward your business is in.


What ward am I in??

 Renew Your Dues/Join/Sponsor/Donate


Your donations are tax deductible! 


Join our membership today and be part of a powerful network working to build a stronger, more connected local business community.

 

Without your support GNCDC would not have grown to be the great organization that it is today. It is through hard work and support from all the GNCDC members that we continue to make a difference and help grow our community. Membership dues help GNCDC provide the grants, events and programs that help members grow their businesses. Please pay your membership dues in a timely fashion. You can submit a payment online at your earliest convenience.

GNCDC would kindly like to remind all of our members - that without your support we would not exist. Renew, Join Sponsor, Donate today!

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation...is a delegate agency of the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development serving the Galewood/Armitage and Northwest Industrial Corridors. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the agency provides assistance and information about incentives and programs for building improvement and development, business retention and sustainability and workforce resources and training. 

Newsletter, May 2026


Visit us at GNCDC.org

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation

4506 W. Fullerton Ave

Chicago, IL 60639

(773) 637-2416

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