The City of Chicago has started work on a new study of the commercial district on Clark Street between Montrose and Foster Avenues. Dubbed “Clark Street Crossroads,” the study will seek to enhance the vitality and walkability of the corridor. Read more “Clark Street Crossroads: City Announces Study of Clark St Commercial District Between Montrose Foster”
GRCC PresentsUpdates and Alerts
News and updates specific to construction, street closings, weather issues, safety issues. To stay up to date, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Small Business Improvement Funds: Clark/Montrose SBIF Applications Open in February
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is one of the city’s longest-running and most successful programs, helping to retain and expand small businesses in nearly every neighborhood. SBIF grants use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse businesses for permanent building repairs and upgrades. These grants can cover up to 90% percent of the cost […] … Read more “Small Business Improvement Funds: Clark/Montrose SBIF Applications Open in February”
Chicago Recovery Community Development Grants
As a part of the Chicago Recovery Plan, the City is offering community development grants to Chicago entrepreneurs, small businesses and developers. The Department of Planning & Development (DPD) is accepting grant applications for funding to support commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing development. The City will consider a diverse array of improvement projects, including storefront […] … Read more “Chicago Recovery Community Development Grants”
Winter 2021 Promotional Opportunities
Neighbors are eager to “shop small” and support their local businesses. Connecting with your community is vital and we’re here to make that connection easy, fun, and effective. Read more “Winter 2021 Promotional Opportunities”
City of Chicago Announces Chi Biz Strong + Outdoor Dining Grant Programs
The City of Chicago’s new Chi Biz Strong and Outdoor Dining Grants will provide over $20 million in support to small businesses and non-profits. Applications are now open! Read more “City of Chicago Announces Chi Biz Strong + Outdoor Dining Grant Programs”
Ravenswood Metra Construction Update August 2021
As of August 23rd, Leland Ave will be closed to traffic under the Metra tracks so that crews can install the new station’s platform. This closure is expected to last two weeks. Workers will maintain pedestrian access under the bridge and reopen one lane to traffic during the weekends. Read more “Ravenswood Metra Construction Update August 2021”
City of Chicago Announces New Indoor Mask Mandate
As the average number of new daily cases of COVID-19 in Chicago surpasses 400, the City is requiring all individuals aged 2 and over, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear a mask while indoors in public settings. Read more “City of Chicago Announces New Indoor Mask Mandate”
Illinois Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program
The Illinois Back to Business grant program will deploy small businesses recovery grants for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more “Illinois Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program”
Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – May 2021
As crews continue construction of the new Metra Station at Ravenswood and Lawrence, the 4700 block of Ravenswood Avenue will experience a partial closure. We’ve got the details! Read more “Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – May 2021”
City Announces Updated Phase Four COVID Regulations and Chicago Bridge Phase
Progress in Chicago’s fight against COVID-19 has allowed for expanded indoor capacity and easing of other restrictions for local businesses. As of April 29, 2021, new guidelines are in effect. Read more “City Announces Updated Phase Four COVID Regulations and Chicago Bridge Phase”
Updated COVID-19 Regulations for Chicago Businesses – March 2021
Progress in the fight against COVID-19 has allowed for expanded indoor capacity, extended operating hours and loosening of other restrictions for businesses. As of March 2, 2021, new guidelines are in effect. Read more “Updated COVID-19 Regulations for Chicago Businesses – March 2021”
Ravenswood COVID-19 Prep Rebate Program Applications Reopen
Last year, the Ravenswood COVID-19 Rebate Program assisted local small business owners with the cost of PPE, sanitation supplies and other safety equipment. To help businesses prepare for evolving state and city guidelines, GRCC is reopening applications in January 2021. Read more “Ravenswood COVID-19 Prep Rebate Program Applications Reopen”
Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – Oct. 2020
The Beginning of the End Metra construction in Ravenswood feels like it’s been going on forever but the end is finally in sight! The final phase of Metra’s bridge renovation project is starting with the demolition of the old bridges from Grace to Balmoral. Crews will tear down two bridges per week, with a full […] … Read more “Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – Oct. 2020”
Chicago Phase IV Guideline Update
Progress in the fight against COVID-19 has allowed for expanded indoor capacity, extended operating hours and loosening of other restrictions for businesses. As of Thurs., October 1st, at 5:00am, new guidelines are in effect. Read more “Chicago Phase IV Guideline Update”
Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – Sept. 2020
We’ve got updates on the ongoing Metra bridge renovation project, which is about to enter its final stage. Concurrently, work on the new Ravenswood Metra Station is starting up again. Read more “Ravenswood Metra Construction Update – Sept. 2020”
Lawrence Ave Construction Update
Lawrence Avenue Westbound Lane Closure The Department of Water Management is wrapping up a sewer project on the 4800 and 4900 blocks of N. Seeley Ave. To make the final sewer connection, the contractor will have to work in the intersection of Lawrence and Seeley. Beginning Weds. 7/15, the westbound lanes of Lawrence will be […] … Read more “Lawrence Ave Construction Update”
Phase IV: Gradually Resume
Phase IV Gradually Resume: Industry Guidelines for Reopening UPDATE: As part of Phase IV: Gradually Resume guidelines, the reinstatement of certain restrictions will go into effect Friday, July 24 at 12:01 a.m. Restrictions include: Bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol for on-site consumption without a retail food license will no longer be […] … Read more “Phase IV: Gradually Resume”
Reopening Chicago: Phase III Guidelines for Businesses
While currently in Phase II, where the goal is to continue flattening the curve while safely being outside, we are on track to move to Phase III at the close of May. Phase III is deemed a “cautious” reopening and will focus on: Non-essential workers begin to return to work in a phased way, Select businesses, non-profits, city entities open with demonstrated, appropriate protections for workers and customers. Read more “Reopening Chicago: Phase III Guidelines for Businesses”
Chicago Ordinance Requiring Minimum Wage Increase
Legal Alert: As of July 1, 2019, the Chicago Minimum wage will increase to $13.00. The minimum wage for tipped employees was raised to $6.10 in 2017 and will be raised to meet CPI in following years. These increases are in response to a City of Chicago ordinance passed in 2014, which will (after 2019) […] … Read more “Chicago Ordinance Requiring Minimum Wage Increase”
ChiBiz Blooms Celebrates Chicago’s Small Businesses in Ravenswood
On May 3, 2018, officials from the Chicago Department of Business and Consumer Protection and the Illinois Liquor Commission partnered with the Greater Ravenswood Chamber to host a special press conference at KOVAL Distillery on the economic impact of the craft beverage industry on our city. Read more “ChiBiz Blooms Celebrates Chicago’s Small Businesses in Ravenswood”