CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Launches Grant Program to Support Small Businesses and Farmers Markets

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), has announced the launch of a new grant program aimed at supporting small business owners and farmers market operators. The program, called the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, will provide one-time grants to businesses in priority geographies across the city in an effort to strengthen local food systems and increase access to fresh, healthy food.

According to Mayor Johnson, "Access to fresh, healthy food should not depend on what neighborhood you live in. For too long, communities that have experienced disinvestment have also faced fewer options for fresh food. The Neighborhood Market Grant Program puts resources directly behind the small businesses and market operators who are helping change that—strengthening local food systems, supporting neighborhood entrepreneurs, and expanding access to fresh food across Chicago."

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The BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali also emphasized the importance of farmers markets as economic engines and community gathering spaces. He stated that this grant program will not only help businesses grow and create local jobs but also ensure that fresh, healthy food reaches the neighborhoods that need it most.

Eligible applicants for this grant program include small retail food and beverage business owners as well as farmers market operators located in priority geographies. The funds can be used for various purposes such as equipment purchases, market operations, marketing and outreach efforts, and improvements that enable markets to operate year-round.

Allies for Community Business (A4CB) will be partnering with the city to manage this grant program. A4CB's CEO Brad McConnell expressed his excitement about this partnership stating that it will provide entrepreneurs with the necessary capital, coaching, and connections needed to grow their businesses while also helping them provide healthy food throughout Chicago.

The initiative is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A4CB has committed $450,000 to eligible grant applicants. Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Interested small business owners and market operators can find eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials on the BACP website at Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

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