January 2026

Community Development Grant - Medium

Medium grants from $300,001 to $5 million are intended to support eligible commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service and mixed-use projects. Grants are intended to support up to 50% of total project costs involving new construction, rehabilitation or both.

Private and non-profit developers, tenants and property owners are eligible to apply individually or jointly during competitive, semi-annual funding rounds. 

Medium grants are funded through proceeds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF), and the Housing and Economic Development (HED) bond. The source of funding for each Medium grant is determined at the discretion of DPD.



Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis with payments made at either defined milestones during construction or upon project completion. At the discretion of DPD, funding may be offered as a loan rather than a grant.

More information is available on the Medium grant FAQ page. A comprehensive overview of Medium grant rules and regulations is available in the program manual.

Applications are now open. Apply by 11:59pm on February 13, 2026.

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Due to strong demand, funds for Workforce Solutions projects located outside of TIF districts have been fully allocated for the 2025 application cycle. New applications seeking bond funding will be asked to reapply in the first quarter of 2026.

Applications are still welcome for projects located in eligible TIF districts.

December Free Webinars

City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers

January 7th 2026

3:00 pm to 4:15 pm

Presented by the City of Chicago

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.

Register

Get In The Know: Resources for Your Small Businesses

January 9th 2026

9:30 am to 11:00 am

Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Join us to learn more about the various business resources that the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection offers to existing or future entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own businesses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the webinar.

Register

Getting Started with Generative AI: A Primer for Non-Technical Business Leaders

January 14th 2026

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Presented by Matt Quinn, Founder of Be Kind AI Advisors

Looking to learn how generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT can help you and your team be faster, more effective, and more focused on your most impactful work? Cut through the hype with this practical overview of GenAI for busy, non-technical professionals - featuring live demos, hands-on exercises, and proven frameworks to unlock AI wins for your business. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of GenAI and how the technology works, best practices for responsible use, and tips on adopting AI inside your organization. No prior experience required. 

Register

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

Visit BACP’s YouTube for all webinars.

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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!

Newsletter, January 2026

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