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 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.
Preferred Chicago Recovery Grant applications will seek to create:
- Catalytic projects with a strong local impact.
- Projects in historically disinvested areas that build upon existing efforts such as Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West Initiative and community safety initiatives.
- Commercial, mixed-use, and light manufacturing projects that create jobs and services.
“Community development is essential for creating thriving and safe communities on our road to an equitable economic recovery. These grants will provide much-needed support to existing and new businesses, spurring economic activity across our city.”
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
The City will accept Chicago Recovery Grant applications on a rolling basis. The first-round application deadline is Jan. 31, 2022, followed by a second-round application deadline of March 10, 2022. Not prepared to apply for either round? Review all relevant materials and prepare to apply for a third application round in the summer.
Ready to learn more? You can live stream a Community Development Grant Info Session on DPD’s YouTube page at noon on January 6, 2022. Shortly after, a recording of the webinar will be available for viewing on-demand. DPD’s Grant Info Session will be conducted in English. For additional language options or other accessibility requests, contact communityengagement@cityofchicago.org.
You can find more info, including eligibility and application guidelines, at chicago.gov/ChiRecoveryGrant.
