e-News from GNCDC - DECEMBER 2022

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December 2022

GNCDC is bringing you the latest community and business updates!

Home and Business Protection Program

The City's Home and Business Protection Program (HBPP) provides rebates up to certain limits that cover the costs of outdoor security cameras, one year of cloud storage for video footage, outdoor motion sensor lighting, vehicle GPS trackers, and subscription costs. All Chicago residents, as well as business, religious, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to take advantage of the program. To participate, purchase an eligible device(s) on or after 6/6/2022, take a photo of the installed device(s), submit a completed application, and receive financial reimbursement. The program is first-come, first-serve. It will run through December 31, 2024, or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

Click Here for Application

Galewood/Armitage and Pulaski Corridor

Opens: 9a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1st

Closes: 5p.m. Monday, Jan 2nd

The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) promotes economic development by providing small businesses with reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement costs. SBIF grants use local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse you for the pre-approved repair or rehab of your business facilities or adjacent land acquisition. SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

ELIGIBLE expenses for a SBIF grant are permanent building improvement costs associated with commercial and industrial properties, including, but not limited to:

Mechanical/heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”), electrical, and plumbing
Tuck pointing and masonry repairs; façade repair/improvement projects
Storefront renovations (new storefront frames, windows, and doors; exterior accent lighting affixed to the building)
Roof repair and replacement
Interior remodeling and renovation that is significant in nature. (that is, it is done in connection with a larger project that involves HVAC, electrical, or plumbing improvements): framing, drywall, interior doors, restroom renovations, flooring, ceilings (expenses related to a standalone cosmetic upgrade project such as new painting and new flooring not done in connection with other significant work are not eligible; “high-end”/custom fixture and/or finish expenses are not eligible)
Improvements to accommodate disabled patrons or workers
Rehabilitation of vacant buildings. Please note that SBIF grants will not paid until the improved property is occupied by an eligible small business tenant or tenants
Purchase of adjacent property for purposes of business expansion or parking. The applicant must operate an eligible small business and own the directly adjacent property on which the eligible business operates
Structural components of new signage (business-specific parts of signage are not eligible); sign removal
Certain landscaping improvements to the public way (exterior private property landscaping is not eligible)

Informational Webinar

1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 | Register

Click Here for Application

Click Here for Galewood/Armitage Corridor Map

Click Here for Pulaski Corridor Map

Property for Sale

3705 W. GRAND AVE

PRICE REDUCTION! $2,800,000 Unique flex building with office/showroom and warehouse space.

Full Property Details

Commercial and Industrial Program

The Commercial and Industrial Program provides energy efficiency rebates, resources, expert support and project management for customers. No matter your type of operation, the program team can help your business reduce its energy use. Our team can identify energy-saving opportunities customized for your business.

There are many ways for you to save, including:

Free energy-saving products for qualifying customers
Custom and prescriptive project rebates
Energy studies
Expert support

Click Here for More Information

Industrial Strategic Energy Management

By focusing on people and processes rather than just equipment upgrades,ComEd's Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program motivates employees to consider behavioral and operational changes that lead to long-lasting energy savings without significant capital investments! The program includes a year-long series of workshops and coaching sessions focused on identifying and implementing operational and behavioral changes. Energy models are created for selected sites to monitor energy performance over the program year.

Energy Savings Through Engagement

SEM helps clients achieve energy savings by engaging the entire facility. The process is designed to:

Establish organizational commitment
Plan and implement energy efficiency best practices and projects, from no-cost opportunities to larger capital investments
Measure, monitor, and report on savings

In addition to the direct cost savings from reduced energy use, ComEd also offers various incentives for participating companies.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program Incentives Click Here

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

Webinar Details coming soon.

DECEMBER 13TH, 11AM

Friday, 12/2 Webinar at 9:30 AM

How to Write a Business Plan. What you need to know!

Presented by Donna R. Rockin, Managing Partner at Rockin Enterprises, Inc.

Learn how to create a comprehensive business plan. It's easier than you think when you understand all the components that get included. You'll receive a complete list of what to include to demystify the process. Writing a solid business plan is your roadmap to business success.

Tuesday, 12/6 Webinar at 2:00 PM

Home & Business Protection Program

Presented by Community Safety Coordination Center

Wednesday, 12/7 Webinar at 3:00 PM

City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers

Presented by the City of Chicago

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.

12/9 Webinar at 9:30 AM

Understanding the 5C’s of Credit from a Lender’s Perspective

Presented by CIBC Bank USA

Whether you’re a business owner or thinking about starting your business; you will learn what you need to know about bank financing products during this discussion. We will talk about credit, capacity, collateral, character, capitalization and loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Wednesday, 12/14 Webinar at 3:00 PM

Achieving Success With Investors

Presented by Score Chicago

This webinar is a step-by-step overview of what an entrepreneur needs to do to obtain outside funding.

Friday, 12/16 at 9:30 AM

Establish a Professional Domain, Website & Email for Your Business

Presented by JinJa Birkenbeuel, Illinois Google Digital Coach, Host of The Honest Field Guide Podcast, and NFT and Web 3 Instructor

If you’re curious about bringing your existing business online, or you’re just starting a business and want to know where to begin, it all starts with a domain: your online address and home on the web. In this workshop we’ll discuss the benefits of owning a domain, helpful web terms to know, and how to get the most out of your domain.

Wednesday, 12/21 at 3:00 PM

Get In The Know: Resources for Your Small Businesses

Presented by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP)

Learn about business resources that are available to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business.

Click on the link to find out what ward your business is in.

What ward am I in??

Renew Your Dues/Join/Sponsor/Donate

Your donations are tax deductible!

Without your support GNCDC would not have grown to be the great organization that it is today. It is through hard work and support from all the GNCDC members that we continue to make a difference and help grow our community. Membership dues help GNCDC provide the grants, events and programs that help members grow their businesses. Please pay your membership dues in a timely fashion. You can submit a payment online at your earliest convenience.

GNCDC would kindly like to remind all of our members - that without your support we would not exist. Renew, Join Sponsor, Donate today!

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation...is a delegate agency of the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development serving the Galewood/Armitage, Pulaski and Northwest Industrial Corridors. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the agency provides assistance and information about incentives and programs for building improvement and development, business retention and sustainability and workforce resources and training.

Newsletter December, 2022

Visit us at GNCDC.org

Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corporation

4506 W. Fullerton Ave

Chicago, IL 60639

(773) 637-2416