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Revitalize Local Businesses and Neighborhoods

Thriving commercial corridors support local communities across Chicago and Cook County.  Prior to the pandemic, however, many corridors struggled.  As Chicago emerges from the pandemic and local communities confront a new economic landscape, a strong coalition of stakeholders is needed to advocate for policies and initiatives which will revitalize, empower and connect commercial corridors and neighborhoods.

  • Advocacy Initiatives:
    • Reduce Commercial Vacancies:  We are advocating for an ordinance that will reduce commercial vacancies in struggling Cook County commercial corridors.  One line and the ordinance
    • Encourage Local Investment: We are researching and formulating policies that will encourage local investment in local businesses and neighborhoods
    • Reduce Red Tape:  We are formulating policies to reduce red tape which impacts small businesses in struggling commercial corridors

Check out the full Neighborhood Revitalization Coalition (NRC) website here.

Insights Archive

Black And African American Owned Businesses Should Receive Their Fair Share Of State Contracts 

By growthzone | March 17, 2021

Black And African American Owned Businesses Should Receive Their Fair Share Of State Contracts Illinois has failed many Black and African American owned small businesses because they have been unable to procure their fair share of state contracts or receive a fair share of the revenue associated with state contracts. Indeed, the failure of Black…

BIG Legislation for Small Businesses

By growthzone | March 16, 2021

READ H.B 1860 HERE READ S.B 1982 HERE BIG LEGISLATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES President Biden has signed The American Rescue Plan Act (H.R 1319) into law.  Accordingly, the State of Illinois is expected to receive $7.549 billion in funds to foster recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. A robust coalition of small business advocates are asking that…

Are You Prepared for a PPP Loan Audit?

By growthzone | March 9, 2021

Are You Prepared for a PPP Loan Audit? Keeping records related to the PPP funding is two-pronged.  First, the organization had to submit the application and supporting records for the PPP application.  Second, records must be maintained to prove how those accepted funds were spent to sustain the business or the purpose of the funding.…

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