Business Resources

 

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a participating Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) with the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The Edgewater Small Business Support Center helps business owners and entrepreneurs apply for business license(s) and public way use permit(s), helping navigate City government, developing a business plan, marketing assistance, product/service/workforce development, access to training and resources at a hyper-local level.

  

Small Business Center (SBC)

Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC) Program

Loans and Grants

Hello Alice, a free, predictive technology, multi-channel platform that guides business owners by providing access to funding, networks and services, has launched a funding and mentorship program for entrepreneurs, which is open to anyone, but has a special focus on women, people of color, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and those affiliated with the military. 
 
The Wish Local Empowerment Program provides grants of $500 to $2,000 to Black-owned small businesses across the U.S. Funding supports diverse business initiatives that promote growth, sustainability, and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round with no set deadline. Priority is given to businesses that demonstrate local impact and present clear, actionable plans for development and expansion.

 

HerRise MicroGrant Program

The HerRise MicroGrant Program awards $1,000 monthly grants to under-resourced women entrepreneurs, with special focus on women of color. Designed to help small businesses overcome financial barriers, the program supports sustainable growth and development. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, legally registered in the United States, and have less than $1 million in annual revenue. A $15 application fee applies for each submission.

Webinars, Tools, and other Resources

Business Counseling (+ Assistance with Applications)

General Information: In addition to direct financial assistance to small businesses and non-profits, the recent stimulus packages have included significant funding for enhanced small business counseling services.  These organizations are well versed in how to help small businesses succeed and stand ready and willing to help your organization navigate these difficult times.  Counseling resources include:

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free, hosted online and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

ChiBizHub, from World Business Chicago, has an excellent collection of business resources HERE

Artist and Actor Funds and Grants

Emergency Grants – Foundation for Contemporary Arts – A temporary fund to meet the needs of experimental artists who have sudden, unanticipated opportunities to present their work and insufficient time to seek funding or have been impacted by unexpected or unbudgeted expenses from projects close to completion.