Staff from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will provide summary, timeline, and application information for the department's two biggest grant programs: the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) and the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), each of which offer cash assistance to businesses looking to start or grow their operation. Also, the webinar will provide information on community development grants for Chicago entrepreneurs, which the City is offering as a part of the Chicago Recovery Plan for small businesses and developers.
The City will consider a diverse array of improvement projects, including storefront upgrades; large development proposals with entertainment, retail and dining options; and projects that create spaces with public amenities. Projects may apply for the small grant program up to $250,000 or the large grant program up to $5 million.