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Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
Neighborhood Opportunity Fund

Justice Of The Pies, An ‘Unorthodox’ Bakery With A Social Mission, Is Coming To The South Side

Chef Maya-Camille Broussard founded the pie shop in 2014 to honor her late father, the "Pie Master." After years of operating out of shared kitchens, she is opening her first storefront on 87th Street.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

City’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Has ‘Potential’ But Lacks Way To Measure Success, Watchdog Says

An audit released Wednesday says the city cannot tell if its grant program is having an impact on the South and West sides because it doesn't have measurable goals.

Citywide

As Indigo Café Prepares To Open In South Chicago Next Year, Local Kids Paint A Mural To Beautify The Space

Indigo will be a "plant-forward" coffeehouse with a menu inspired by African cultures and communities of the African diaspora. Customers can expect juices, salads, açaí bowls and other light fare.

South Chicago, East Side

She Makes The Food, He Roasts The Beans: Couple Opens Tasa Coffee Roasters In West Humboldt Park

Jackie and Pierre Marquez started experimenting with coffee at home during the lockdown. Now they own one of the neighborhood's first café and roasters.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Chicago’s Only Fatburger Could Open In Chatham This Fall

Jacqueline Jackson received $250,000 from the fund to transform a vacant bank in Chatham into a Fatburger and Buffalo Wings with an outdoor patio, drive-thru and indoor eating area. 

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

Black-Owned Grocery Store Coming To West Side Wins $2.5 Million City Grant

Forty Acres Fresh Market will break ground this year on a Chicago Avenue store. In the meantime, the business is holding weekly community markets.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Vacant West Side Buildings To Become Small Business Hubs Where Entrepreneurs Can Get Coaching, Free Rent And More

The Steans Family Foundation is using a $2.58 million grant from the city to build out small business hubs to attract entrepreneurs to North Lawndale, bringing jobs and wealth to the neighborhood.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Dozens Of South, West Side Small Businesses Getting $14.4 Million In City Grants

Grants through the Chicago Recovery Program range from $24,090 to $2.5 million, and can be used for business renovations and other improvements.

Citywide

A Couple Wants To Turn An Abandoned Englewood Church Into An Arts Center — But They’re Running Out Of Money And Time

Plamen Yordanov and Iuliana Foghis bought the Love, Faith and Praise Church of God in Christ three years ago to launch their own art foundation. But they've struggled to get funding for much-needed renovations.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

Carnitas Uruapan Opening Restaurant In Little Village’s Former La Concordia Space Thanks To City Grant

The family-owned business is getting $250,000 from the city to rehab a century-old building for its third location. The larger footprint will allow them to serve cocktails and add an outdoor patio.

Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards

Healthy Restaurant Coming To MLK Legacy Apartments In North Lawndale To Boost 16th Street Business District

The restaurant will be built in one of the commercial spaces at the MLK Legacy Apartments, supported by a city grant.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Chicago BodyShop Will Bring A Gym With Personal Training And Group Fitness To South Shore

The gym, set to open at 2049 E. 79th St. by the end of the year, will also offer programs for young people. "There's definitely a need in that area for space where you can come and get a quality workout."

Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore

ChiFresh Kitchen, Co-Op That Hires Formerly Incarcerated People To Cook For Those In Need, Finds A New Home In Greater Grand Crossing

Within two years, co-op members hope to be making 5,000 meals daily at a new facility at 400 E. 71st St.

Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore

This Couple Spent Lockdown Exploring Their Passion For Coffee. Now, They’re Opening Their Own Cafe

Jackie and Pierre Marquez plan to open Tasa Coffee at 4136 W. North Ave. next year.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

A Popular West Side Dessert Shop Is Getting A Sweet Makeover With An Expanded Dining Area, New Facade

Bitoy's Sweet Treats in Austin was awarded a city Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant, which will be used to upgrade the building and customer experience.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

With New Restaurants, A Bookstore And Beauty Salon, South Side Entrepreneurs Hope To Keep Local Dollars In The Neighborhoods

South Side entrepreneurs and nonprofits are bringing their dream communities to life thanks to a new round of Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grants.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

After Years Selling Negro League-Inspired Clothes, A Bronzeville Businessman Is Opening His First Store Thanks To City Grant

Flyball, Reggio's Pizza and Pop That Pop On The Grove received grants through the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

Bronzeville, Near South Side

South, West Side Entrepreneurs Get $10 Million In City Grants To Expand And Build Their Businesses

Nuevo Leon Bakery, Reggio's Pizza and ChiFresh Kitchen are among the businesses that got city money to build up their work.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham

Burst Into Books To Open Community Center And Bookstore For Kids Of Color In Roseland

The nonprofit with a focus on literacy plans to open "a space for the youth" of Roseland and the Far South Side in September, founder Jurema Gorham said. "When the kids walk in ... they'll say, 'This was created for me.'"

Roseland, Pullman

Englewood Business Owners Can Get Free Help Applying For $250K City Grants

The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant deadline has been extended until April 16.

Englewood, Chatham, Auburn Gresham
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