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  
Tuesday 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 312-429-0898  
  • 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 

More information coming soon. 

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 

HNDS ON STUDIO   
1821 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Wednesday to Sunday (12PM - 6PM)  

  • SERES Footwear is a slow fashion company with a collection of contemporary shoes designed in the USA and handcrafted in México. SERES prides itself on sustainable practices that promote safe and fair working conditions and reduce waste. They provide an interactive retail space known as HNDS ON STUDIO, in collaboration with Y.J. Lacour, where visitors can have hands-on experiences and learn a thing or two about shoe design.
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants  
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 36th Ward  

West Town Unwind 
1716 W Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
View class schedule online.   

  • West Town Unwind was born out of a desire to make yoga available for more people. We offer fun and approachable pick-your-price yoga classes ($5, $10, $15), resources for new yoga instructors, co-working on Fridays, retail goods and art sourced from the local community, and specialty events.  
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants  
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 1st Ward  

Black Artists Network (Opening soon!)
1901 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (10AM - 5PM)  

  • Founded by art historian Ayrika Hall, Black Artists Network is an organization committed to nurturing and expanding a community for Black creatives across various artistic mediums. BAN's mission is to highlight the creative and intellectual achievements of contemporary Black artists and provide a vibrant space for connection and collaboration. Open to all, BAN is an inclusive space welcoming everyone interested in exploring and connecting with Black art.
  • https://www.westtownchamber.org/tenants 
  • ggerken@westtownchamber.org  
  • 36th Ward