Small Business Storefront Activations

The COVID-19 pandemic has left significant increases in commercial corridor vacancy rates across the City. Brick and mortar businesses that rely on foot traffic to drive sales were particularly harmed as commercial corridors across the city saw major reductions in economic activity.  

Fifteen (15) community and economic development organizations have been awarded grants as part of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program.  These selected organizations will work with small business owners and landlords to provide rapid relief to small businesses by activating vacant storefronts into burgeoning business spaces. The goal of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program is to boost local spending and draw additional foot traffic to commercial corridors across the City. 

If you are a business owner and are interested in participating in this program, please fill out the Storefront Activation Program Small Business Interest Form. 

2023 Small Business Storefront Activation Program Grantees: 

  • Calumet Area Industrial Commission  
  • Coalition For a Better Chinese American Community  
  • DishRoulette Kitchen NFP  
  • Garfield Park Community Council
  • Greater Chatham Initiative
  • Greater Southwest Development Corporation 
  • Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
  • Midway Chamber of Commerce
  • Portage Park Chamber of Commerce
  • The Far South Community Development Corporation
  • The Magnificent Mile Association 
  • The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
  • Uptown United
  • West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce

List of Storefront Activation Program Grantees 


Questions may be emailed to BACPEconomicRecovery@cityofchicago.org 

Calumet Area Industrial Commission

Calumet Area Industrial Commission  

More information coming soon. 

 

 

Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community




Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community 

More information coming soon. 

Dish Roulette Kitchen NFP

DishRoulette Kitchen NFP   

More information coming soon. 

Garfield Park Community Council

 

Garfield Park Community Council 

More information coming soon. 

Greater Chatham Initiative Greater Chatham Initiative 

Mahalia’s  
735 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619  
Thursday to Saturday (11AM – 7PM); Sunday (12PM – 5PM)  

  • Mahalia's is more than just a retail store. Greater Chatham Initiative has created this community-centric space that celebrates and promotes the creativity and talent within Chicago’s black communities. Mahalia's offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces reflecting the diversity and richness of black culture and creativity. This unique establishment is dedicated to providing a platform for over 30 vendors to showcase and sell their exceptional products.  
  • https://mahalias.com  
  • mahalias@greaterchathaminitiative.org or 312-319-8899  
  • 6th Ward 

Greater Southwest Development Corporation

Greater Southwest Development Corporation

More information coming soon. 

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce


Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce 

Local on Lincoln  
3169 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 

Saturdays (11AM – 4PM) starting March 9th  

  • Check-out over 20 local artisan businesses at 3169 N Lincoln Ave on Saturdays throughout March. Local on Lincoln has it all, pottery, lotions, candles, clothing, vintage, pins and so much more! While in Lakeview check out other businesses, have lunch, and explore.   
  • https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/local-on-lincoln 
  • julie@lrvcc.org  
  • 32nd Ward 

Midway Chamber of Commerce

Midway Chamber of Commerce 

More information coming soon. 

 

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce

Portage Park Chamber of Commerce 

More information coming soon. 

The Far South Community Development Corporation

The Far South Community Development Corporation 

Far South Marketplace 

837 W 115th Street, Chicago, IL 60643  

Monday to Sunday (12PM – 6PM) 

  • Far South Marketplace will have a variety of items for every shopper. From sculptures and fans of Africa, home goods, and memorial keepsakes to teas, herbal tinctures, and small batch fresh roasted coffee.  Beauty products. hair products, apparel, accessories, and candles too!  
  • https://farsouthcdc.org/marketplace 
  • cam@farsouthcdc.org
  • 21st Ward 

The Magnificent Mile Association

The Magnificent Mile Association  

More information coming soon. 

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center The Puerto Rican Cultural Center 

More information coming soon. 

 

Uptown United

Uptown United 

Pop Craft 
1109 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640  
Weekdays (1-9PM), Weekends (11AM-9PM) 

  • At Pop Craft, shoppers can expect an immersive and creative experience at this space, where they'll have the opportunity to engage in do-it-yourself (DIY) and crafting activities. Visitors can enjoy craft-based workshops (e.g. tufting, ceramic painting, and crafting handmade cosmetics) and interactive sessions designed to inspire creativity and provide hands-on learning opportunities. Pop Craft aims to foster a vibrant and engaging atmosphere where individuals can explore their artistic talents and create unique handmade items.  
  • https://popcrafting.com 
  • info@exploreuptown.org 
  • 46th Ward 


Chicago Fair Trade Museum & Store
4704 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
Wednesday-Saturday, (12-5PM)

  • The Chicago Fair Trade Museum's mission is to inspire visitors to use their voice and spending power to demand ethically and sustainably-made products. In this interactive and immersive space, visitors will learn about the historical roots of injustice in international trade and business, how fair trade provides a people- and planet- friendly alternative, and Chicago's important role in the global labor rights movement. Visitors will discover how to build a better world by making thoughtful choices about the products they buy, and will have the chance to shop for beautiful, one-of-a-kind items in the Museum's fair trade store. The first museum dedicated to fair trade in the world, the Chicago Fair Trade Museum recently won a 2024 Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums.
  • chicagofairtrade.org/chicago-fair-trade-museum
  • info@exploreuptown.org
  • 46th Ward

West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce


West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce 

The Goody Vault  
1821 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622  

Thursday through Sunday 11-7pm  

  • The Goody Vault is a vintage clothing store that specializes in timeless garments for everyone. Our store was created with a goal to connect people with the highest quality and most unique vintage items. If you love clothes, we have something for you!  
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants  
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 36th Ward  

The Brie Show Studio  
1716 W Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622  

Wednesday through Sunday 11-7pm, Monday and Tuesday by appointment  

  • The Brie Show Studio Pop-Up is a new take on a gallery. The space will be warm, inviting, accessible and feature paintings as well as art beyond the canvas, including painted vintage clothes, furniture and more. 
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants  
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 1st Ward  

Wander From The Known  
1901 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622  

Thursday and Friday Noon-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11-5pm  

  • Wander From the Known is a clothing and accessories boutique that embraces vibrant self-expression and celebrates the bold and adventurous spirit in everyone! Through textures, bright color palettes, and adorable silhouettes, we help you embrace the thrill of stepping beyond the ordinary, and exploring your unique style that knows no bounds.  
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants 
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 36th Ward