Hello Uptown Business Center Clients and Partners,

Don't miss our upcoming events, including our Special Use 101 webinar TOMORROW that will help small businesses who might need a special use to secure a business license. This will include personal services and cannabis businesses or those who might need relief from restrictions such as parking requirements.

For those interested in participating in summer festivals and events, several opportunities to be a vendor are highlighted below. Don't forget to start working on your sanitation certificate if you are a food vendor!

As always, please don't hesitate to schedule an Uptown Business Center consultation so we can discuss personalized support for your small business. Please note that I will be out of the office next week so the UBC won't be taking appointments April 15 - 19. I look forward to connecting with all of you the following week!

Best, 

Kylie Ruscheinski

Uptown Business Center Director

UPTOWN BUSINESS CENTER EVENTS

Special Use 101

Thursday, April 11th | 3:30-4:30PM |Zoom Webinar

Join the Uptown Business Center to learn the steps, rules, and costs for small businesses seeking a special use to secure their business license.



Register for this Free Event

Money Smart: Financial Management

Tuesday, April 16th | 3-4PM |Wintrust Uptown 4800 N Sheridan

Learn the concept of financial management for your small business and learn the rules and tools commonly available with this free training with Wintrust Bank. As part of this Money Smart workshop, you'll learn more about financing for your small business and how to manage your working capital and fixed assets.

Wintrust will also be hosting a product fair ahead of this event at the same location, 4800 N Sheridan. Stop by to learn about small business banking with Wintrust starting at noon ahead of Money Smart!



Register for this Free Event

Bookkeeping 101

Tuesday, May 14th | 3:00-4:30PM

Uptown Business Center, 4619 N Broadway

Learn digital bookkeeping basics for your small business! Topics will include accounting principles, double entry bookkeeping, financial reports, and your chart of accounts.



Register for this Free Event

SUMMER FESTIVAL VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

Don't miss these opportunities to sell your product and to build your brand at various summer festivals and events!

RIB FEST CHICAGO

June 14 - 16

Rib Vendor Application

Food & Beverage (Non-Rib) Application Side Food & Dessert Application

Handcrafter/Nonprofit Application

Merchant Application

ARGYLE NIGHT MARKET

Thursdays, July 11 - August 29

Merchant Application

Food Vendor Application

Food Truck Application

ROSCOE VILLAGE BURGER FEST

July 19 - 21

Side Food, Beverage & Dessert Application

Dessert Application

Handcrafter Application

Nonprofit Application

Merchant Application

RAVENSWOOD ON TAP

July 20 & 21

Merchant Application

Food Vendor Application

Food Truck Application

If you'd like to learn more about being a vendor at outdoor events this summer, view a recording of our Farmers Market + Street Festival Vendor event here.



As part of any summer food license, each establishment must have a Person In Charge onsite with an original and valid Summer Festival Food Vendor Sanitation Certificate (SFFVSC). Classes are now open to secure your SFFVSC! Here is the city's list of approved training providers, including languages available at each site.

CURRENT GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Check out our last newsletter if you missed updates on the LISC Black Restaurant Fund and the TL Effect Grant and Education Program.

Lawrence/Broadway SBIF Opened April 1

Applications Open Until April 30, 2024

SBIF provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city. SBIF applications are submitted during monthly rollout periods for individual TIF districts and participants can receive grants to cover between 30-90% of the cost of remodeling work with a maximum of $150,000 for commercial properties.

Eligibility:

Learn more about eligible expenses and business eligibility here.

• Business properties located in a TIF district where SBIF funds are available and SBIF is open for applications (Check to see if your business is in a TIF district here.)
• Commercial businesses with gross annual sales up to $9 million on average over the previous three years
• Commercial property owners with net worth up to $9 million and liquid assets up to $500,000
• Industrial businesses with up to 200 full-time employees
• Commercial projects (residential projects aren't eligible)

Learn More! View the informational webinar presented on April 3rd.

The Lawrence/Broadway SBIF application is open until 5pm on Tuesday, April 30th. Download the application.

Giving Joy Microgrants

Applications Open Until April 30, 2024

Women ages 18 and up can apply for microgrants to support an existing business or to jumpstart a new business idea. Apply here. 

Eligibility:

• Applicant identifies as a woman as is over 18 years old
• Grant activities have a social benefit to your community

Giving Joy Microgrants are awarded to businesses or business concepts that have positive social impact, especially for women, girls, and families. Grant awardees will be notified in August. Apply now.

Fast Break for Small Businesses

Applications Open Until September 13, 2024

Accion Opportunity Fund, Legal Zoom, and other partners are awarding $10,000 grants and LegalZoom services to small businesses. Apply here.  

Eligibility:

• Based in the United States
• In business for at least 3 months
• Annual revenue of less than $1 million with active business bank account
• If in business for 12 months or more, must provide most recent year's business tax return or alternative business information

Applicants must create a Submittable account to apply for this opportunity. Awardees will be notified on a rolling basis until September 30. Apply now.

UBC CLIENT SPOTLIGHT:

CELEBRATING NEW UBC BUSINESSES!

Las Maria's Breakfast Club at 5501 N Lincoln Ave is serving up breakfast and lunch every day at their family-owned restaurant! Their menu features American and Mexican staples along with their specially roasted coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo. Check out their Block Club Chicago feature and their menu and be sure to stop by soon!

Michuu Ethiopian Restaurant at 1023 W Wilson Ave is also a full family affair, serving up traditional Ethiopian dishes from the Oromo culture with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Be sure to try their seasonal specials and come with a group so you can enjoy a full spread!

Show your support to these newly opened businesses by stopping by for a meal and be sure to say hi to the owners and their families working in the front and back of house!