Small Business Update: May 2025 |
| Hello Ravenswood Businesses! Hope you are gearing up for a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend. In this edition, we'll cover upcoming business programming, new marketing and promotional opportunities, and other resources for you and your business. | | Concerns regarding the tariffs or the impending tax bill? Have questions about your membership benefits or looking to become a member? We're here to help! Director of Business Services, Christina Pecce, is always open to set up a conversation. Use the button above to get started. | | 6/7, Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale: Last Call | | It is FREE to participate in this event. Businesses who elect to take part will be listed on our webpage and included on printed material. GRCC will provide the necessary permits. | | 6/11, State of the State at Begyle Brewing | | Tickets include admission, coffee, and a light breakfast. 8:30-10:30am, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, $30 for GRCC Members/$45 for General Admission. More Info | | 6/17, Pride Networking at My Buddy's | | Enjoy an evening of community at My Buddy’s on Tuesday, June 17th with the Greater Ravenswood, LGBT, and Uptown Chambers of Commerce. Join us for a vibrant networking event celebrating diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community and allies! | | Tickets include admission, your first drink, and an entry into our door prize raffle. 4-6pm, 4416 N Clark St, $15 for GRCC Members/$25 for General Admission. More Info | | 7/10, Navigating Leadership Through Difficult Times | | Join us for an empowering and interactive workshop designed specifically for small business owners who are leading through challenge and change. Led by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Bianka Hardin of Centered Therapy Chicago, this session offers a thoughtful space to explore how to lead with resilience, presence, and intention during difficult times. | | Tickets include admission, snacks, and an entry into our door prize raffle. 3-5pm, 4411 N Ravenswood Ave, $5 for GRCC Members/$15 for General Admission. More Info | | BrightBot: A Ravenswood-Made Solution for Public Health & Safety | | |
We are working to support BrightBot, a local manufacturer that has developed an amazing machine that uses UVC light to kill bacteria and viruses. BrightBot's president, Bob Thomann, has contributed a guest post to the GRCC blog that shares how his machines may be vital to public health in Illinois- and beyond.
"Right now, BrightBots are used in hospitals, schools, dental offices, and nursing homes, providing an added layer of protection in spaces where vulnerable populations are at risk. But our mission goes beyond everyday use—we want to help Illinois prepare for future public health emergencies."
| | GRCC is proud to support a local, veteran-owned business that is passionate about combining innovation, public health, and local manufacturing. If you're interested in working with BrightBot or acquiring a BrightBot for your space, please contact gene@ravenswoodchicago.org for an introduction. | | Marketing & Promotional Opportunities | | Malt Row on Damen Sponsorship Opportunities | | Malt Row on Damen returns on Wednesday, June 25th! Engage with customers and neighbors by participating in Ravenswood’s only craft beer stroll. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to promote your business the night of the event and for the months to come by sponsoring our raffle cards or punch cards, or providing swag items: | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact Director of Events & Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Ravenswood On Tap Sponsorship Opportunities | | Ravenswood On Tap returns to Chicago for its eighth year this July. After a stunningly successful debut in 2016, the festival has expanded to two days, attracting 15,000+ attendees to Chicago’s premiere craft beer destination: Malt Row. We're offering a wide range of community and business sponsorships for you to explore below: | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact Director of Events & Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Malt Row Guidebook Advertising Opportunities | | |
The 2025 full-color Malt Row Guide includes a map showing the location of Malt Row breweries, distilleries, and wineries, nearby bars and restaurants, and public transportation, encouraging locals and visitors alike to enjoy a self-guided
tour of our neighborhood! This year’s guide will feature brewery information, bar and restaurant recommendations, and promotions from local businesses. Copies will be distributed to our Malt Row businesses and be included in all Malt Row public events produced by the GRCC.
| | To inquire about advertising opportunities, please contact Director of Events & Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Ravenswood Neighbors Association Seeks T-Shirt Sponsors | | | | The Ravenswood Neighbors Association is seeking sponsors for its 2025 Year of the Volunteer T-shirt program! These shirts are worn by volunteers at RNA and community events, which attracted more than5,000 attendees in 2024. In addition, RNA’s first run of 300 shirts have been distributed throughout the community to residents who have donated to RNA. More Info | | PARK(ing) Day 2025 Sponsorships | | PARK(ing) Day is an annual global event where citizens, artists, and activists collaborate to temporarily transform parking spots into temporary public places. Chicago Growth Project's installation at Dovetail Brewery this September aims to create a vibrant, engaging space for the community to enjoy. They are currently seeking sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. More Info | | | Resources for Local Businesses | | |
Clark/Montrose SBIF Opens June 2025
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) opens for grants each month in various TIF districts across Chicago.
Eligible businesses must submit their application during the month-long application window for their TIF district to qualify for funding. To find out if and when SBIF grants are available for your business, search the address on the eligibility page. The Clark/Montrose district information is listed below:
OPENS: 9 a.m. Sunday, June 1
CLOSES: 5 p.m. Monday, June 30
Informational Webinar
1pm Wednesday, June 4 | Register
Online Via Zoom
In-Person Informational Session
12:30pm Wednesday, June 4 | More Info
Wintrust Bank Ravenswood, 2300 W Lawrence Ave
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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) recently announced that the Community Development Grant (Small and Medium sized funding) is currently accepting applications through August 15th, 2025. Apply Now.
The City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs.
If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Director of Business Services, Christina Pecce, directly.
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Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday and Friday.
5/30, Protecting the Future of Your Business: Questions That Entrepreneurs Should Consider When Starting up and Growing a Business
As an entrepreneur in the start-up and growth phase of your business, you have a lot to consider. Decisions made now in areas such as product/service strategy, organization structure, marketing, sales, hiring, benefits, legal and exit plan, will have a significant impact on future outcomes and long-term success. Join this webinar to learn how to navigate these critical decisions and about important considerations that impact your ability to protect, grow, thrive, and ultimately reach the long-term objectives of your venture. Friday, May 30th at 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info.
View more upcoming City workshops.
| | You've Been Served... Now What? | | | | Though litigation is often difficult to avoid in today’s business climate, it can still feel like a punch in the gut when you or your company are sued and served with a summons and complaint. Knowing in advance how to prepare for such an eventuality can help ease anxieties and improve the chances of achieving the best possible outcome. Read More. | | Available Office Space in Ravenswood | | Platform Coworking has flex and permanent desk availability and will be hosting another open house on May 27th! They're also expanding and have 7 new offices available, including 4 with windows giving them great light. | | Please note that the photo above is virtually staged. If you would like a direct connection or to be notified of other available office space, please contact Director of Business Services, Christina Pecce. | | 47th Ward Small Business Spotlight | | The 47th Ward Office has added a new section in the newsletter dedicated to uplifting small businesses in the ward. Using a simple online form, you can have your business featured in their newsletter and social media. 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. In response to demand, we have a Now Hiring section in our weekly newsletter, which reaches 5,500+ locals.
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.
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