12/12/2022 - State Launches New Loan Programs - 50-50 Sidewalk Opens 1/9/2023 -
$40M Chicago Recovery Plan Grants Announced - NWCC Christmas Bash
State Launching New Loan Programs in 2023

In 2022 the Advantage Illinois (AI) Loan Participation Program partnered with local lenders to provide low-interest loans - 71% of AI loans went to minority-owned businesses - people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans. This program will continue next year to support businesses with difficulty gaining access to capital.  

These are the new programs launching in 2023:
INVENT Venture Capital Program (VCP) is a direct equity program focused on investing in businesses in critical industries such as agriculture, ag tech, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing, quantum, and more.

Climate Bank Finance Loan Participation Program is overseen by DCEO and administered by the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), which will partner with local lenders to issue loans to small businesses in the clean energy sector.
Click here to receive additional information and updates when the programs launch.
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens January 2023

Thousands of Chicagoans have taken advantage of the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program - the cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.

Applications open January 9th from 6 AM ti 10 PM on a first-come, first-served basis, and the number of participants is based on the availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so apply early. If you applied in previous years, you must apply again in 2023 to be considered. The only way to apply is by calling the City’s 311 service, using the free 311 app, or online by clicking here.
NWCC Membership Renewals - 4th Quarter 2022

All State/Mindy Blanco - NEW: American Veterans Community Trust Company - Annas Plumrite Plumbing - Chicago Auto Radiators - Chicago Premier Realty - Four Yolks Restaurant - Galileo Optical - GooGoos Restaurant - Ice For Less - Nowak's Farmer Market - Pronto Auto Rebuilders - Santana Print - State Farm/Mark Hanson Agency...
Mark your Calendar

Everyone's welcome! Bring a friend....
Milano Cafe - 3930 W. School Street
Click here for flyer

PS: Santa left the elves in charge and flew into Chicago last Saturday to remind everyone to be nice and not naughty.
Click here to see who he visited

12/20 - Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program Seminar - 12 PM
12/28 - 25th District CAPS Hybrid Meeting at McDonald's Restaurant - 6 PM
Attend at McDonald's or virtually with ZOOM - Click here for flyer

Click on the wreath for some Christmas lore & trivia
Follow NWCC on Facebook for news, events and reminders
Chicago Recovery Plan
City Announces $40M in Grants for
Neighborhood Businesses, Nonprofits.  

More than 60 neighborhood businesses and nonprofit organizations are receiving $40 million in Community Development Grants as part of the Chicago Recovery Plan to provide post-pandemic relief to service providers, restaurants, and theaters.  The grants, ranging from $12,000 to $5 million, support workplace improvements, new construction, energy-system enhancements, and other eligible costs that support neighborhood vitality and economic development. Funding sources include City of Chicago bond funds and proceeds from the Department of Planning and Development’s (DPD) Tax Increment Financing and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund programs.
Click here to see the full list of finalists and grant amounts
Visit the NW Connection Chamber website for resources and assistance.
Contact: Pete Schmugge, NWCC Executive Director - 773-558-8743 -
The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce - a Place Making Generalist agency for the
City of Chicago Business Affairs Neighborhood Business Development Center - is funded to
provide assistance to the Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and North Austin Communities.