Small Business Update: November 2025 |
| Welcome to the November edition of the GRCC's business newsletter. While our city is facing numerous challenges, we want you to know that you’re not alone. Below you'll find resources, opportunities, and connections to help support you and your business. Take a moment to explore what’s inside and discover how we can navigate these times together. | | Need permitting or licensing support? Looking for a new commercial space? Want to run an idea by us? We're always here to help! Let's Chat. | | Available Commercial Space in Ravenswood | | Check out our quarterly spotlight on some of the currently available commercial spaces in and around Ravenswood. | | This is not a comprehensive list of all the commercial space currently available in Ravenswood. If you’d like more information about current vacancies or need assistance finding space for your business, we’re here to help! Inquire Here | | 11/6, Know Your Rights Training For Local Businesses | | Join the 46th Ward office for a free, in-person Know Your Rights Training at Rizal Center focusing on immigration issues that impact small business owners and employees. Training will be presented by the Indo-American Center, Arise Chicago, and the City of Chicago Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights. | | This event is free to attend, however advanced registration is required as space is limited. Attendance will be capped at 150 participants. 5:30pm-7pm, 1332 W Irving Park More Info | | 11/13, Annual Member Mixer & Best of Ravenswood Awards | | Tickets include admission, live music from the Tom Lowery Trio, small bites from Rojo Gusano, and a specialty welcome drink. 6pm-8pm, 4217 N Ravenswood Ave, $25 for members/$35 for general admission More Info | | 12/11, Ravenswood x Andersonville Holiday Mixer | | Unwind this holiday season at Timber Lanes with our friends and neighbors from Andersonville at our annual Holiday Mixer! Mingle with neighbors and old friends, enjoy delicious bites, hit the lanes, and try your luck in our annual Sweater Contest for the chance to win exciting prizes. Inquire here for sponsorship opportunities. | | Tickets include admission, bowling, your first drink, heavy apps, and gifts from our partners. 6pm-8pm, 1851 W Irving Park Rd, $50 for members/$65 for general admission More Info | | Marketing & Promotional Opportunities | | Small Business Saturday Promotional Opportunities | | We're gearing up for Small Business Saturday and are excited to bring back one of Ravenswood's favorite holiday traditions- the Holly Jolly Trolley on November 29th, 2025. All sponsorship tiers have been filled, but swag bag opportunities remain available: | But wait, there's more! View two other avenues to promote your business or organization on Small Business Saturday. Both of these opportunities are free for GRCC members. | | Submit listings for the GRCC Holiday Gift Guide, showcasing an eclectic variety of gift options from around Ravenswood: | | It's not too late! Let us know what sales, events, and promotions you're looking to promote for Small Business Saturday: | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact Director of Business Services Christina Pecce. | | Taste of Ravenswood Sponsorship Opportunities | | Taste of Ravenswood is coming up once again on February 6th, 2026! Taste offers attendees a rare opportunity to sample Ravenswood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers all in one space. Held in the beautiful Ravenswood Event Center, guests will also enjoy local music and live painting while sipping and sampling. We have a variety of sponsorship levels available: | | To inquire about event sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please contact GRCC Director of Events & Marketing Amy Czarkowski. |
| Business Bouquets from The Flower Girl | | |
The Flower Girl is excited to bring simple, seasonal floral arrangements to local shops, offices, and studios in our community.
Think of it as a little extra warmth for your reception desk, checkout counter, or waiting area. Florals handcrafted with winter greens, seasonal textures, and just a touch of holiday sparkle. Inquire Here
| | | Custom Fabrication for Businesses with The Joy Lab | | | | |
Brand new to Ravenswood, The Joy Lab partners with local businesses on custom fabrication. Think out-of-the-box signage, brand photo shoots, custom décor, products, and displays designed to help brands stand out.
What makes it special is the ability to deliver these projects at a smaller scale and with quick turnarounds—perfect for small businesses in our community. At its core, The Joy Lab is a space that turns ideas into reality! Inquire Here
| | Centered Therapy Chicago Accepting New Clients | | Current events got you down? Feeling overwhelmed or just need a space to breathe? Therapy is a powerful form of self-care, especially during stressful times. Centered Therapy Chicago has immediate openings for new clients, including evening and Saturday appointments to fit your schedule. Take a step toward feeling more grounded and connected. Learn More | | | Mindful Leadership Through The Holidays | | | | Join local leadership coach Amy Illarde of Human. Heart. Work. for a free, 60-minute, heart-centered workshop to help small business owners and community leaders stay grounded, lead with clarity, and support their teams through the year-end rush. Held virtually on Thursday, November 21st at 9am. Register Here | | ComEd's Fleet Electrification Assessment | | The ComEd Fleet Electrification Assessment helps you plan the transition with a comprehensive review of the best vehicles and charging infrastructure for your fleet. Going electric brings great benefits: lower maintenance and operating costs, better working conditions for your team, and cleaner air for your community. 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 Accepting Applications
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) recently announced that the Community Development Grant (Small and Medium sized funding) is currently accepting applications through February 13th, 2026. 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. | | Cook County Source Launches $100,000 Catalyst Grant | | Through the Catalyst Grant, as many as 88 established and growing businesses in select industries will have the opportunity to advance to their next stage of development. Whether it’s addressing workforce needs, improving operations or upgrading facilities, this $100,000 grant empowers businesses to scale up and invest with confidence. Applications extended to November 14th at 5pm. | | If you need any assistance with your application or would like more information, feel free to contact Outreach Coordinator, Grace Pulliam, directly. | | Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education webinars every Wednesday and Friday. | | |
11/7, Holiday Success Strategies: Attracting Customers and Boosting Sales
Join BACP along with dynamic leaders to discuss actionable strategies for attracting holiday shoppers, implementing effective “shop local” campaigns, and marketing your business to draw in new clients. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn expert insights on driving business success this holiday season! Friday, November 7th at 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info.
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11/12, From Vision To Action: Building Your Winning Business Plan
Learn the key steps of business planning — from market research to financial projections — and walk away with a clear roadmap to grow your business. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, this session will help you create a roadmap for success. Wednesday, November 12th at 3pm on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info.
View more upcoming City workshops.
| | Congratulations, You're a New Parent! Now what?!? | | There’s no better time than today to start planning for your little one’s future, and putting an estate plan into place is a smart first step. From designating a guardian, to creating a trust, the decisions you make now can set up your child for great success ahead. Read More | | |
Host a Ravenswood Community Services Donation Box | | | | |
The GRCC is looking for businesses in Ravenswood who would like to host a donation box for Ravenswood Community Services, a pantry providing meals and groceries for neighbors in need in the Ravenswood and Uptown communities!
Interested? Reach out to Outreach Coordinator Grace Pulliam directly.
| | 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. More Info | | | 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! 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. | | | | |
