Replacing vacant properties with thriving small businesses will foster economic development in disinvested Chicago neighborhoods. With the support of We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery (We Rise Together), the Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) and Allies for Community Business (A4CB) are excited to announce the launch of a program focused on connecting vacant property owners with entrepreneurs ready to transition or expand into brick-and-mortar spaces.
The program will connect vacant property owners with entrepreneurs in Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, South Shore, Washington Park, and West Lawn. The program will also provide small business owners with funding to help them transition into brick-and-mortar spaces. Coaching services will also be provided to entrepreneurs. This collaborative project will engage chambers of commerce and placed based organizations in communities served by We Rise Together.
This program will:
· Identify small businesses that wish to expand into brick-and-mortar spaces.
· Provide eligible businesses coaching and educational services.
· Connect businesses with the owners of vacant commercial properties.
· Provide funds these businesses can use to facilitate their transition into vacant properties.
If you are a PROPERTY OWNER looking to lease your vacant property to an established entrepreneur, click above to learn more.
If you are an ENTREPRENEUR looking to open a brick-and-mortar store in one of the targeted communities, click above to learn more.
Click above to learn more about the COMMUNITIES involved in the WeRise Together Project.