Small Business Update: July 2026 |
| 8/5, SBIF 101 Session at Wintrust Ravenswood | | Secure funding for permanent building improvements and repairs for your small business! Learn about the Small Business Improvement Fund for the Clark/Montrose TIF District. This session is free to attend and a light lunch will be provided. | | This event is hosted by Wintrust Bank in collaboration with the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Business Center. 12:30pm-2pm, 2300 W Lawrence Ave, FREE More Info | | 8/18, Federal Taproom Update at Dovetail Brewery | | Pull up a stool and join us for an evening of conversation on the federal issues shaping the small business landscape at Dovetail Brewery! Congressman Mike Quigley will provide updates on the latest developments in D.C., including federal support programs, tax policy, and other issues impacting neighborhood businesses. | This event is co-hosted by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and Small Business Advisory Council. Tickets include admission and your first two drinks! 5:00-7:30pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, $30 for GRCC members / $45 for General Admission More Info | 8/20, Summer Social at Common Pantry | | The Greater Ravenswood Chamber, Northcenter, and Albany Park Chambers of Commerce invite you to a co-hosted Summer Social at Common Pantry on August 20th! This casual gathering is a great opportunity to expand your network beyond your immediate neighborhood, exchange ideas, and build relationships with businesses and organizations throughout Chicago’s North Side. | | Tickets include admission, refreshments from Mimi’s on Lincoln, ice cream canapes from Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream, and an entry into our door prize raffle. 6pm-8pm, 3908 N Lincoln Ave, $20 for GRCC Members / $30 for General Admission More Info | 8/26, Small Business Retirement Planning Happy Hour at Hop Butcher For The World | | Presenting in partnership with Alera Group and Transamerica, this session at Hop Butcher For The World will cover what quality retirement plan options are available to small business owners, how each operates, and how to choose the retirement plan that is right for you. Offering a quality retirement plan can help attract and retain talented employees. Plus, it helps show you care about their financial future. | | Complimentary registration include admission, your first drink, and snacks. 3-4:30pm, 4257 N Lincoln Ave, FREE More Info | | UIC Small Business Survey | You're invited to participate in a 5-minute survey aimed at understanding the concerns, challenges, and needs of Chicagoland small businesses. The results of this research will inform programming and policies so that small business can be more successful. By participating, you will receive a copy of the final report and a chance to win a pair of Southwest Airline tickets! | This study is co-sponsored by the College of Business at the University of Illinois Chicago, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. | Business License Fee Updates | |
As part of the 2026 City of Chicago Budget, business license fees have been adjusted. Read More Here.
Questions about how these licensing fee changes may impact your business? Reach out to our team for guidance, resources, and one-on-one support as you start, grow, or operate your business.
| Updates to the Chicago Minimum Wage | |
Effective July 1, 2026, the Chicago minimum wage for employers with four or more employees will increase to $17.05 per hour, and the tipped worker minimum wage will increase to $12.96 per hour.
For more information, please review the 2026 Notice Regarding Executive Order 2014-1 or the updated labor law notice. To watch recordings of The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) webinars that reviewed labor law updates, click English or Español.
| Spacious Meeting Room Available at Regus on Ravenswood | | As a professional, finding the right space for client consultations, depositions, or team meetings is essential. Regus on Ravenswood is excited to share details about their premium meeting room space located in the heart of the Ravenswood neighborhood, tailored specifically to meet your professional standards. Inquire Here | | Marketing & Promotional Opportunities | | The Ravenswood ArtWalk Tour of Arts & Industry | | Founded in 2001, the Ravenswood ArtWalk is an annual celebration of arts and industry along the historic Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Sponsors gain visibility on posters, postcards, and programs, as well we pre-event promotional banners around Ravenswood. | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact GRCC Director of Events and Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Support The Friendship Center | | Help fight hunger in our community by hosting a food or essential goods drive benefiting The Friendship Center. Your business can engage employees and customers while providing critical items that support neighbors across Chicago's Northwest Side. Learn More | | | Community Sponsorships at Joel Hall Dancers & Center | | | | Joel Hall Dancers & Center invites local businesses to become community sponsors, supporting dance education, performances, and cultural programming for all ages. Your partnership strengthens the arts while demonstrating your commitment to the Ravenswood community. Learn More | | Student Work Experience Partnership | | Quantum LEEP Academy is looking to partner with local businesses to provide supported, real-world work experiences for neurodiverse learners. Their goal is to provide structured experiences that build independent confidence and practical job skills. Partnering will support inclusive employment in our community! Learn More | | | Student Work Experience Partnership | | | | Mulch Consulting offers fundraising and marketing support for small nonprofits on a contract basis. They're currently offering a $50 discount on initial marketing plans and 15% off contract work to GRCC Members. Inquire Here | | City Resources for Local Businesses | | |
Community Development Grants
Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs through Friday, August 14th 2026.
| If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Associate Director, Christina Pecce, directly. | | |
Workforce Solutions Program
The Workforce Solutions Program is a reimbursement grant for up to $250,000 to help employers train their permanent employees and new hires, including support for on-the-job training and industry-recognized certifications.
| If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Associate Director, Christina Pecce, directly. | | |
Clark/Montrose SBIF Opening This August
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides reimbursement grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. The grant, which is administered by SomerCor on the City’s behalf, does not have to be repaid. Applications for the Clark/Montrose SBIF will be open on Saturday, August 1st through Sunday, August 30th.
| | If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Associate Director, Christina Pecce, directly. | | The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Programs are free, hosted online, and open to the public. | | |
8/5, City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Wednesday, August 5th, 3-4:30pm, Virtual, FREE More Info
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8/7, Ways to Finance Your Business
Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, you will learn about the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program as a resource that makes you eligible to apply for CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.
Friday, August 7th, 9:30-11am, Virtual, FREE More Info
View more upcoming City workshops.
| | Host Your Event in Ravenswood | | All along Ravenswood’s idyllic green corridors lie a wide variety of spaces suited for everything from intimate gatherings and creative workshops to weddings, bashes, and corporate functions. Seeking local vendors for catering, florals, lodging, and more? Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our top picks! More Info | | | Member Health Insurance Program | | | | Did you know the GRCC launched a small business health insurance co-operative in 2018 to help members access affordable, comprehensive coverage in a challenging healthcare market? Participation is available to all members, regardless of geography, that meet basic eligibility requirements. Applications are rolling and you can start at any time! More Info | | Are You Hiring? Let Us Help You Reach Locals | | Many of our members are hiring, and our job board is getting more views than ever! Members can add job postings directly by logging into the membership portal. You're also welcome to email Grace, GRCC's Outreach Coordinator, directly for assistance creating a listing. | | | Need Help? The GRCC Is Here to Support | | | | The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce team is here to help your business succeed. Whether you're opening, growing, or navigating a challenge, our Neighborhood Business Development Center can connect you with local resources, City programs, funding opportunities, and one-on-one guidance every step of the way. Inquire Here | | | | |
