WICKER PARK — Was your businesses hit hard by COVID-19, recent vandalism or both?
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and the Special Service Area No. 33 have a few ways to help.
First, you can apply for a $500 “micro grant.” The chamber recently loosened up restrictions for applying for the grant in order to help more businesses, spokeswoman Louise Yingduo Liu said in May. Apply here.
Second, costs related to safety — such as glass replacement — and hired security are now part of the chamber’s facade rebate program. The rebate program can help cover approved safety-related by 50 percent (or up to $1,000) and security costs up to 75 percent (or up to $5,000.)
Businesses located within the SSA boundaries in major commercial corridors are eligible. Check this map to see if your business location qualifies.
Lastly, if your businesses was recently vandalized or broken into, let the chamber know by emailing info@wickerparkbucktown.com.
Last week chamber director Pamela Maass told Block Club between 40 and 60 neighborhood businesses had been looted.
“We’re trying to get the resources and the information to these businesses as quickly as possible,” she said.
Learn more about the chamber online.
Stay up to date by signing up for the chamber’s newsletter here.
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