When: July 1, 12pm - 2:30pm

Where: Wintrust Bank Ravenswood

2300 W Lawrence Avenue

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Wintrust Bank to hold an informational session about the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF). It will be held on July 1, 2026. The SBIF application period is open July 1st to July 30th to businesses located in the Lincoln Avenue TIF district.

The SBIF grant is funded by local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue and is made available to business and property owners located in the SBIF‐eligible TIF districts citywide. Grant funds may be used to reimburse up to 90% of pre‐approved construction costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $75,000 for multi‐tenant properties, $150,000 for commercial properties, and $250,000 for industrial properties. These funds can be used for new windows, roofs, doors, HVAC systems, tuckpointing, bathroom remodeling, and more, and the grant does not have to be repaid.

The SBIF program requires that businesses show they have the financing to complete their projects. This can be satisfied by sharing a bank statement or a letter from a bank with a loan commitment. Our friends at Wintrust will discuss financing options for businesses participating in the SBIF program. After the informational session, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to take questions and discuss how we can help you move through the SBIF process and complete your project. 

More About SBIF

Eligible improvements include: roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, ADA-accessible modifications, and permanent interior renovations.

Not eligible: residential work, landscaping, outdoor dining areas, or equipment-related expenses.

Is your property or business eligible?

Visit SomerCor to check guidelines and apply:

Click here to apply or learn more

Support for small businesses in Chicago took a major step forward this month as Alderman Desmon Yancy introduced the Chicago Small Business Bill of Rights in the City Council. Developed by the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) and championed by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, the proposal seeks to establish a common-sense framework for how the City interacts and crafts rules around small businesses, making government more transparent, predictable, and accountable.

The Bill of Rights includes reforms aimed at creating a fairer business environment, including reasonable fines and penalties, improved transparency in the budget and legislative process, timely permitting and inspections, adequate notice before new regulations take effect, and opportunities for businesses to correct violations before facing private legal action.

For too long, small business owners have navigated a regulatory landscape that can be confusing, inconsistent, and difficult to predict. The Chicago Small Business Bill of Rights recognizes that small businesses are not only economic engines, but also vital contributors to the character and vitality of our neighborhoods.

The Chamber is proud to support this initiative and will continue advocating for policies that reduce unnecessary barriers, improve government responsiveness, and help neighborhood businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Show Your Support!

If you support the Small Business Bill of Rights, we encourage you to reach out to our Alders in City Council.

Alderperson Andre Vasquez

773-654-1867

info@40thward.org

Alderman Matt Martin

773-868-4747

info@aldermanmartin.com

We're excited to celebrate the official opening of two new public spaces in our community with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and neighborhood festivities. These events are also a great opportunity for local business owners and community stakeholders to step away from their day-to-day work, connect with neighbors, and see these new public spaces come alive as gathering places for the community.

Leland Plaza Ribbon Cutting

Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 PM

Leland Plaza (CTA Station)

Join us as we officially open Leland Plaza. The nearby Farmers Market will be in full swing, and the Summer Concert Series will also be taking place, creating a vibrant atmosphere for this special occasion.

Ainslie Arts Plaza Ribbon Cutting & Community Celebration

Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 AM

Ainslie Arts Plaza (Lincoln & Ainslie)

Celebrate the opening of Ainslie Arts Plaza with community leaders and neighbors.

Ainslie Plaza Kick-Off Celebration

Saturday, June 27 at 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4836 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

Artists, food, and performers. Free and open to all.

Small business owners: UIC's College of Business is conducting a brief 5-minute survey on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing small businesses across the Chicago region. It is important that Lincoln Square and Ravenswood businesses are represented in the data, which will help inform future research and policy discussions.

Participants can opt into a raffle for a pair of Southwest Airlines ticket vouchers and will receive a copy of the final report summarizing findings from small businesses across Chicagoland.