Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Allocates Nearly $3 Million To Revitalize Vacant Storefronts Through Small Business Activation Program

The effort allows small business owners to test their business ventures in bare storefronts.

Vacant storefronts in Chicago could get new life and become occupied with nearly $3 million in city support.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has announced 15 community and economic development organizations have been awarded grants as part of the $2.7 million Small Business Storefront Activation Program.

The effort allows small business owners to test their business ventures in bare storefronts and enhance local options for residents and visitors, according to a news release.

The organizations will collaborate with small business owners and landlords to provide rapid relief to small businesses by activating vacant storefronts into fledgling business spaces. They could reportedly anchor pop-up businesses like a retail incubator, art gallery, and an indoor farmer’s market.

Plans call for the groups to help transform commercial corridors citywide, including along the well-known Michigan Avenue to corridors in Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Uptown, and Chatham.

The fresh push comes after COVID-19 pandemic triggered large increases in commercial corridor vacancy rates across Chicago. As such, brick-and-mortar businesses that rely on foot traffic to drive sales were hit hard as some of the city’s commercial corridors had major cutbacks in economic activity.

“Small businesses are essential components of thriving communities,” Johnon stated. “We need to invest in our small businesses to generate economic activity, and the Small Business Storefront Activation Program will bring to life storefronts across the city and much-needed economic stimulus to business corridors in historically disinvested communities.”

BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer added, “The Small Business Storefront Activation Program transforms storefronts and communities by stimulating entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and attracting new consumers. The selected grantees will assist local business owners and entrepreneurs to positively impact commercials corridors.”

Interested entrepreneurs wanting to participate can complete this form and get more details here.