Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'"
Englewood Business Owners Can Get Free Help Applying For $250K City Grants
The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant deadline has been extended until April 16.
Future Of South Shore Architecture Studio Uncertain As Plan To Buy 79th Street Animal Hospital Falls Through
TnS Studio design principal Taylor Staten said she'd still prefer to open the studio's headquarters in South Shore, but she may explore sites in Avalon Park or Bronzeville.
$250,000 Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grants Available For South, West Side Business Owners
The money can be used for construction, renovations, buying land and more. Applications are due by April 9.
West Side Job Readiness Campus Will Soon Open, Giving Residents Opportunity To ‘Launch A New Beginning’
The workforce development campus is set to open March 15, bringing a cafe, banking services and more to the area.
How A Chicago Political Hangout Went From Bustling To Boarded-Up — Even After The City Promised Help
Wallace’s Catfish Corner, a fish and soul food restaurant on the West Side, was a neighborhood staple. Now the building is boarded-up and unused. Its messy history shows the challenges of rebuilding an area devastated by disinvestment.
West Side Job Readiness Campus Gets $2.5 Million Boost From City Grant
The workforce development center will house programs for returning citizens, as well as a community events space and cafe.