Small Business Update: March 2026 |
| As spring begins, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring you a new lineup of business-focused events, opportunities, and resources designed to support, connect, and strengthen our local business community. | | Have a question or need help navigating a challenge? Reach out using the button above - our team is always here to support you and your business or organization. | | Advertise Your Business our Neighborhood Banner Program | | The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce's Neighborhood Banner Program gives local businesses and organizations a powerful way to build visibility and connect with the community across Ravenswood and Bowmanville. | | All banners are available for purchase for a 2-year period with price cuts at higher order numbers and special pricing for GRCC members. There are no annual renewal fees! Applications are open through May 15th, 2026. | | Invitation to Participate: Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale | | The Ravenswood Sidewalk Sale returns on June 6th, 2026! This event presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses like yours to connect with the community and showcase your products or services. | 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. | | Looking for new office or storefront? The GRCC keeps an active database of commercial availability, and we're happy to assist you in your search. Take a look at the recently available 1767 W Wilson Ave space, as an example! Reach out to us directly to set up a conversation. | | Join us for an Open House at the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 2nd from 11am-1pm! This is a great opportunity to connect directly with GRCC Staff and our PR Team, and dive into our services and progams. | | Light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP using the form above. 11am-1pm, 1770 W Berteau Ave Suite 101, FREE More Info | | 5/1, Therapist's Row: Networking for Mental Health Professionals | | Calling all local therapists and mental health professionals! Join us at Begyle Brewing for “Therapist’s Row”- a networking happy hour just for therapists and mental health professionals. All donations will go to the Emotional Relief Fund. This year, Mind Chicago will match all donations—so every dollar you give makes twice the impact. | | Tickets include admission, your first beer, and snacks from a local restaurant. 4pm-6pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, $5 Donation More Info | | Marketing & Promotional Opportunities | | 2026 GRCC Sponsorship Opportunities | | From community and business event sponsorships to advertising, marketing and design services, the GRCC is excited to announce member-exclusive opportunities for this year to help promote your business: | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact GRCC Director of Events & Marketing Amy Czarkowski. | | Ravenswood On Tap Sponsorship Opportunities | | Malt Row is one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country—and it’s right here in Ravenswood! Each year, we celebrate this cultural ferment with Ravenswood On Tap, a two-day outdoor festival highlighting all things local and offering high-visibility sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to connect with a vibrant, engaged audience. | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact GRCC Director of Events and Marketing, Amy Czarkowski. | | Ravenswood Run Raffle Opportunity | | | | The Ravenswood Run on April 26th, which benefits Ravenswood Community Services' food pantry, is turning 30 this year! There will be a kick-off party and community expo hosted by Begyle Brewing on Monday, March 30th, 6-8:30pm, featuring a raffle for all attendees. Have your business represented by donating a prize to the raffle! Inquire Here | | CO2, Nitrogen, & Beer Gas Swap Services at Gnome Brew | | Gnome Brew offers businesses with nitro or nitrogen tap systems fast, convenient gas services, including no-wait 5# CO2 tank swaps and affordable exchanges for 5 and 10 pound tanks that meet certification requirements. They also provide while-you-wait CO2 refills (with recommended call-ahead for larger tanks) and swaps for nitrogen and beer gas tanks. Inquire Here | | | Big Foot Media Member Content Special | | | | The GRCC is teaming up with our friends at Big Foot Media to help you and your business with creative content! Their team has generously created a Content Special for GRCC members with exclusive photo and video pricing packages. Reach out today to get started. Inquire Here | | Resources for Local Businesses | | |
Community Development Grant Reopens
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 that can fund up to 100% of eligible expenses for businesses seeking to train current employees and/or new hires. Grants do not have to be repaid.
| 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 will 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. | | |
3/27, AI For Small Business: How to Save Time, Increase Sales, and Work Smarter
This session introduces practical ways entrepreneurs can use AI to save time, improve marketing, streamline operations, and make better business decisions. Participants will explore simple tools and real-world examples across five critical areas of business: Sales and Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, and Management. Friday, March 27th, 9:30-11AM, Virtual, FREE More Info
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4/3, Doing Business with the City of Chicago
Join this informative webinar to learn about reducing certification timelines. You will gain insights on how to identify roadblocks and ensure that goals are measured in ways that align with the mayor’s key pillars. Participants will also learn about: SBI and MBI contracts, Lead Line Replacement Program and the City Buying Plan. Friday, April 3rd, 9:30-11AM, Virtual, FREE More Info
View more upcoming City workshops.
| | Celebrating Women's History Month in Ravenswood | March is Women’s History Month! Here at the GRCC, we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on just a few of the show-stopping women who make our community a better place to live, work, and everything in between. Also, get a sneak peak at our quarterly Women Leaders in Business Programming for 2026! More Info | GRCC 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 | | |
Ravenswood is home to some of the most exciting, inspired, and celebrated businesses in Chicago. As part of our ongoing Local Business Spotlight series, we’re pleased to introduce you to The Flower Girl.
We want to feature your business or organization! Submit Your Business Here.
| | | 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. | | | | |
