CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) have announced a new initiative to support small businesses in the South Lawndale neighborhood. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Latinos Progresando, has been awarded the contract to lead the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program.

This program aims to revitalize the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors by recruiting and retaining businesses through a variety of pop-up shops and one-on-one technical assistance. Mayor Johnson expressed his commitment to supporting small businesses and growing commercial corridors into thriving community hubs, stating that "investments like this are at the center" of his administration's efforts.

BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali also emphasized the importance of strengthening neighborhood business districts, stating that by selecting trusted local partners to lead this work, entrepreneurs will receive tailored support and resources to grow their businesses.

The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, with support from Latinos Progresando, will play a key role in this program. They will identify move-in ready vacant spaces, negotiate short-term leases with landlords, and launch a variety of pop-up shops. To ensure the sustainability of these new ventures, participating businesses will receive one-on-one coaching through the Little Village Chamber's "De la Mano" program. This technical assistance includes business planning, financial management, marketing and promotion campaigns, and assistance in securing long-term leases after the program ends.

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Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, expressed her excitement for this opportunity to bring new energy and opportunity to the 26th Street commercial corridor. She believes that by activating storefront spaces, entrepreneurs will have an affordable opportunity to test their concepts and prepare for long-term success. This investment not only benefits individual businesses but also strengthens the local business ecosystem as a whole.

Luis Gutierrez, CEO of Latinos Progresando, highlighted how this program will directly invest in small business owners and revitalize the streets of Chicago. By removing traditional barriers to entry for new businesses, they hope to increase foot traffic and invite residents back to their local high streets to support local businesses.

Funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this initiative has awarded $250,000 to the partner organizations to revitalize the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors. For more information about the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

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