May 2025 - City Programs to Boost Business Savvy, Financial Spring Cleaning,

Events and Promotions, Dining al Fresco....

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Entrepreneur Certificate Program is free for anyone interested in starting or growing a business to gain knowledge of various essential business topics. Since its launch, more than 1,000 Chicago entrepreneurs and business owners have completed the program. Those who complete the program are eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Loan Program offered by BACP partner CIBC Bank USA.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Events & Outings...

Click on the event to view/download flyer with details

04/29/2025 - Common Scans & How to Protect Yourself, 9:30 AM

by NW Connection & Logan Square Chambers of Commerce

05/01/2025 - Armitage/Pulaski SBIF opens, Click for more info'

05/09 &10/2025 - Mothers Day Carnations Giveaway -

NWCC Members Almacenes Mexico, Old National Bank, and Sofy's Unisex Salon will be giving fresh Carnations to anyone stopping by to say HI!

06/212025 - Dual Chamber Bowling Outing at Habetler Bowl co sponsored by

the Northwest Connection & Belmont Central Chambers of Commerce

NWCC Member Community Savings Bank at 4801 W. Belmont is hosting Home Buying Seminars in Spanish - Saturday, May 3, 2025 (register here).

The Spring Shred-A-Thon will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Spring turns into summer and when the kids are out of school is a good time to work with a realtor if you're looking for a new home or apartment...or to relocate your business.

NWCC has several members specializing in Real Estate.

Please give them first thought. 

Click on name to go to website 

Chicago Premier Realty - Coldwell Banker - Larry Lynch - Exit Grace Realty/Regina Rueda - Exit Realty/Gus Mendoza - Strauss Realty - Deborah Smith/Commercial

THANK YOU to NWCC Members...

for their support & membership renewals...



Almacenes Mexico - American Veterans Community Trust - Carnicerias Jimenez - Catholic Charities - Community Savings Bank - Cozy Corner Restaurant Dunkin Donuts - En Las Tablas - European American - Expert Movers - Helpico Insurance - Liberty Bank for Savings - Logan Square Pest Control - Milano Cafe - New Life Centers - Norford Hotel - North Pulaski Market - North Pulaski Historical Society - Old National Bank - Parkside Food & Liquor - Roeser's Bakery - Sleep on Latex - Smart from the Start - Spanish Coalition for Housing - State Farm/Adam Green Agency - State Farm/Joe Wilson Agency.

View NWCC Membership: Alphabetical or by Category

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) offered by the Department of Planning & Development provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs to tenants and owners of industrial and commercial properties,

Eligible program participants can receive grants to cover between 30 percent and 90 percent of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid.

May SBIF Rollout - Armitage/Pulaski - opens 5/1/2025, closes 5/30/2025

Informational Webinar - May 7, 2025 at 1 PM Click to register

Learn How the Small Business Improvement Fund(SBIF)

Can Benefit Commercial & Industrial Business Property Owners.

Click on the Line item to...

• Click for map showing boundaries of the Armitage/Pulaski SBIF
• Click to learn more about the program
• Click to download an application form
• SBIF Lenders

After weathering a Chicago winter, it doesn't take much for Chicagoans to don shorts and flip-flops and get outdoors for fun and food. Here's a list from Chicago Eater of 20 great places to enjoy great food and drinks.

Chicago’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots

by Naomi Waxman Updated 03/2025,

Click for article



NWCC has a diverse group of local, Member-owned eateries - Click here to check them out.

Spring cleaning: Financial edition

Spring has sprung, and that means warmer weather, spending time outside, and fresh starts. While you’re tackling your spring cleaning, don’t forget your finances! Click to learn a few ways to get started in this article from Wintrust Bank.

Last on the list in the article is safely disposing of documents and sensitive papers by shredding. Click here for Wintrust Banks Schedule for the free, secure shredding

they offer to the public.

Local Real Estate for Sale & Lease - click address/name to view flyers

The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce is a Place Making Generalist agency for the City of Chicago Business Affairs Neighborhood Business Development Center, funded to assist the Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and NorthAustin Communities.

Click to go to the website - Visit our Facebook page