In an effort to revitalize underserved areas, the city of Chicago has awarded $1.9 million in grants to over a dozen small businesses through its Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) program.
This initiative, started in 2016 by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, aims to channel fees collected from Downtown developers into funding projects in communities that often lack resources.
Currently administered under Mayor Brandon Johnson, the program allocates about 80 percent of these fees to support small businesses and cultural initiatives — including grocery stores, restaurants, service providers, and cultural venues.
The grants can reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible costs associated with new construction or the rehabilitation of existing facilities.
It also covers soft costs, such as design assistance, employee training, and improvements to public spaces.
Mayor Johnson expressed strong support for the recent grant recipients, stating, “The NOF grant program is a down-payment on a safer, more affordable and thriving future for all of Chicago.”
He added that he looks forward to seeing these businesses grow and contribute to job creation and community leadership.
Among the grant recipients, several projects stand out, showcasing a diverse range of business types and community needs.
For example, Chicago Systems & Signals, located at 121 E. 115th St. in West Pullman, will receive $250,000 for the buildout of its engineering company headquarters.
DixiePura Kitchen, a Southern/Asian restaurant at 325 E. Pershing Road in Grand Boulevard, has been awarded $59,700 for renovations to its facility.
In Austin, DLV Printing Service, Inc. at 5825 W. Corcoran Place is set to expand its retail area with a grant of $93,600.
GCYC Food Sovereignty Hub in Greater Grand Crossing will receive $250,000 to expand its urban farm and greenhouse, serving the youth in the community.
In Douglas, Host Mart Inc. is planning to use its grant of $88,299 for the buildout of an Indian grocery store at 235 E. 35th St.
Additionally, James L. Bowers, Attorney, will utilize $114,900 for improvements to the exterior of his office space located at 5940-42 W. Chicago Ave. in Austin.
Other recipients include Loncar’s Chico, Nova Driving School, and Wagner’s Bakery, which has been serving the community for over 107 years.
The bakery, situated at 2148 W. Cermak Road in Lower West Side, will receive $101,160 for kitchen and sales floor improvements.
Overall, these small businesses will collectively contribute to an investment of $2.8 million in Chicago’s neighborhoods, thanks to the opportunity fund program.
The program is accepting applications on a rolling basis, and more information can be found through the city’s resources.
The grant recipients were selected based on criteria such as project readiness and the needs of the neighborhood, as noted by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Ciere Boatright.
“Each of these grants will contribute to commercial corridor vitality and complement nearby investments,” Boatright stated, highlighting the significance of creating a critical mass of improvements to foster long-term neighborhood growth.
A 2022 audit conducted by the Office of the Inspector General found the opportunity fund program to be managed effectively but suggested improvements in measuring the outcomes of the funding provided.
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