Contributed photo | www.loganchamber.org
Contributed photo | www.loganchamber.org
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Aug. 18
The State of Illinois' Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program opens for applications today, Wednesday, Aug. 18th.
We are a Community Navigator Organization. We can help you apply! Call our office for your appointment with Roger Fierro, 773.489.3222.
Have business friends operating in other areas of the City or State? Our business advisor partners at the Illinois Latino Small Business Partnership
can help!
Businesses with revenues of $20 million or less in 2019 and a reduction of at least $5,000 revenue in 2020 as a result of the pandemic are eligible to apply.
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 can be used to cover operational expenses and offset losses due to COVID-19.
The program will award a total of $250 million to businesses across the state that experienced losses in 2020.
Informatively,
The LSCC Team
Please continue to support our business community. Don't forget to send us your business updates so we can share them! For questions or concerns, contact our Executive Director, Nilda Esparza, at
773-489-3222 or email at info@loganchamber.org. Thank You!
Logan Square Farmers Market
The return of our Community Booth has truly made our Farmers Market this season.
Thank You Bennett Day School for coming by last Sunday!
Join us at Logan Boulevard between Milwaukee Ave. and Whipple Stree Sundays from 9AM to 3PM.
#SundayFunday is for the Logan Square Farmers Market!
Volunteer for the LSqFM
Volunteers play a critical role in the support and success of our Farmers Market! It's a fun way to support your local community, get to know your neighbors who share a similar passion, and get involved in the local food system.
If you are interested, but unable to attend the market on a Sunday, there may be other ways to volunteer to support the market. Email us for more information.
We appreciate your help in advance!
CHICAGO READER'S
Best of Chicago 2020 WINNERS!
LOGAN SQUARE
"BEST NORTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD"
LOGAN SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
"BEST FARMERS' MARKET"
Participating at the Commercial & Community Tents
At The Community Tent
Meals on Wheels Chicago is celebrating 34 years of feeding seniors and individuals with disabilities who are in need. Find out more about the program that keeps homebound neighbors healthy and independent in their own homes and learn how you can help!
At The Commercial Tent
Dill Pickle Food Co-op 2746 N. Milwaukee Av. 773-252-COOP community@dillpickle.coop
Open 8 am – 10 pm Daily, 7-8 am Priority Shopping
Chamber Member News
Oliva Gallery Presents "Hard/Soft"
The work of Daniel Flood and Marc Benja
This exhibition is a play on hard edge lines in contrast to soft renderings
Runs through September 4th
Check Out Wolfbait & B-girls Online Gift Shop & Makers Market Place!
Your Pet Can be a STAR!
Harmony House for Cats is accepting submissions for its 2022 calendar fundraiser. Choose any date to feature your favorite pet(s) and share them with other animal lovers. Click here for the order form. https://hhforcats.org/2022-calendar-photos
All order forms, photos, and payments must be received by September 30th.
Printed calendars will be available to purchase online in early November. They make great holiday gifts!
All proceeds go towards the care of the cats and helping them find their forever, adoptive home! Thank you for supporting your local cat shelter!
Northside Latin
Progress
Needs Donations
Men's clothes, work boots, food for day laborers. Please call
312-343-0804.
Lot Jams Returns for 2021!
For 2021, NRC is proud to bring Lot Jams back! Join us this summer for evenings of free, family-friendly entertainment in our community. Mark your calendars and check back for more details soon! ALL SHOWS take place between 7-9 pm.
LGNSQ
The Logan Square Book. Gentrification and Preservation in a a Chicago Neighborhood.
Available at City Lit Books
2523 N. Kedzie
Business Updates
BACP, SBA, Cook County, Federal & State of IL
BACP Updates
The BACP Small Business Center will reopen to limited in-person visits on Tuesday, July 6! Masks and social distancing will be required, and remote consultations are still strongly encouraged. Visit this BACP site for updates.
In accordance with the City’s plan to provide critical financial relief to Chicago’s business community, the Department of Finance is excited to launch the Business Recovery Payment Plan Program. Through this program, eligible business license holders can enter into a payment plan with as little as $25 down with terms up to 60 months. This will remove barriers for business owners that owe City debt and allow them to resolve holds on their business licenses with minimal burden. The Business Recovery Payment Plan Program is available through June 30, 2022 for most debt types.
BACP is excited to share information about Hire Chicago, a one-of-a-kind five-week hybrid hiring event! Presented by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, World Business Chicago and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Hire Chicago will provide employers the opportunity to find the diverse talent pipeline they need to remain competitive and real opportunities for Chicagoans to pursue their passions through free virtual career exploration, learning, and hiring events.
BACP is pleased to announce that Chicago’s City Council passed the Chi Biz Strong Initiative. This bold legislative package contains a number of initiatives to help jumpstart our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and set our businesses, workers and consumers on the path towards a stronger future.
BACP announced the launch of the new Chicago Business Center (CBC) Program. Through this new initiative, eight regional Chicago Business Centers have begun operating as hubs to provide business licensing assistance and other resources for small businesses in communities throughout the City. The eight Centers are open for virtual consultations with entrepreneurs today. visit Chicago.gov/CBC for more information.
Vaccine Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Earlier this week, City Council passed the Vaccine Anti-Retaliation Ordinance. Effective immediately, all Chicago workers – including independent contractors – are granted a number of protections that will make it easier to receive the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the new protections on this flyer, and visit chicago.gov/laborstandards for an overview of all of the labor laws for Chicago workers.
Vaccine Eligibility
Everyone 12 years of age and older living in Chicago is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination! Chicagoans can look for vaccine appointments at zocdoc.com/vaccine or use the City's COVID-19 Vaccine Finder to identify additional vaccine providers. New appointments will be added frequently, and people are encouraged to check back.
Chicagoans under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during their appointment, and those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer dose.
The following pharmacies also offer vaccinations and their own scheduling: Chicago Costco Pharmacies, CVS, Jewel Osco, Mariano’s, and Walgreens. Contact the pharmacy directly about possible appointments
Residents should also check with their primary care physicians. More than 350 hospitals, health clinics, medical practices, pharmacies and other providers receive vaccine for distribution to local residents. Local residents can now be vaccinated at home. To learn about Chicago’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, visit www.chicago.gov/covidvax.
Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and based on Chicago’s current local COVID-19 data, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring that everyone age two or older, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings, effective Friday, August 20, 2021. Masking remains optional in outdoor settings, where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower, though masks are recommended for unvaccinated individuals in crowded outdoor settings.
On Monday, August 16, Chicago surpassed 400 new COVID-19 cases per day, moving into the CDC’s “high” category of local transmission. Chicago data is updated every weekday at chi.gov/coviddash.
In alignment with the CDC’s guidance, the City is now mandating that businesses require masks for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in all public indoor settings. The new public health order does not include capacity limits at public places.
This requirement does not apply to outdoor settings – masks remain optional outdoors, where COVID-19 transmission is much less likely. As a reminder, outdoor settings include sidewalk cafes, outdoor patios, rooms with retractable roofs, outdoor tents with at least 50% of the sides open and indoor spaces that are within eight feet of walls that are least 50% open.
While masking is now required in indoor settings, the requirement allows masks to be removed in certain cases, such as when patrons are actively eating or drinking; personal services that require the removal of face coverings (e.g., facial, shave); and office working spaces in which individual workstations are spaced at least six feet apart. Masks also remain mandatory on public transportation, in healthcare settings, schools, and correctional and congregate settings.
No changes are being made to the requirements for social distancing. Businesses are still generally encouraged to support social distancing to the extent possible for customers, especially in indoor settings; in addition businesses must post signage indicating that masks are mandated for all customers in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status.
Businesses seeking more information and guidance should visit Chicago.gov/reopening. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) will be holding webinars on Thursday, August 19th at 10:00 a.m. and Friday, August 20th at 1:00 p.m. to provide an overview of the mask mandate. To register for a webinar, please visit chicago.gov/businesseducation.
The vaccines authorized in the U.S. are working as expected and have been essential in the fight against COVID-19. They are effectively preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Since January 2021, 97% of Chicago’s COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have been in people who were not fully vaccinated. The CDC estimates that nationally, people who are unvaccinated are three to four times more likely to be infected with COVID-19, and 25 times more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated. The great majority of COVID-19 cases in Chicago are in unvaccinated individuals.
We thank all the Chicagoans who have already made the choice to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help protect themselves, their families, and Chicago.
The best protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant continues to be vaccination, including getting both doses if you get a two-dose vaccine. CDPH strongly urges anyone age 12 and older who isn’t yet vaccinated to get vaccinated right away. Chicago residents should call 312-746-4835 or visit chi.gov/covidvax for help getting a vaccine.
Thank you in advance for your continued efforts to keep your customers and employees safe and for following this new masking requirement.
The Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection’s
FREE business education workshops are now available as WEBINARS!
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Wednesday, 8/18 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Plan for a Successful Business
Presented by Score Chicago
A thoughtful and well-executed business plan is the first step for every potential entrepreneur. Businesses differ in value, marketing, production, operations, and financial objectives, and good planning increases the odds of success. This workshop covers the essential elements of business plan development.
Friday, 8/20 Webinar at 9:30 AM
More Clients, Less Marketing: How to Create More Leads and Income by Doing LESS
Presented by Mary Cravets, SimplyGetClients.com
Client generation is the lifeblood of a service business. But with so many marketing options, how do you cut through the noise and find your best strategy for growth?
The good news is that by strategically doing LESS, your marketing can be MORE effective.
Referred to as “a coach approach to marketing,” Mary's engaging presentation quickly shows audiences how to get better results from their client-generation efforts while feeling more authentic and actually having fun!
In a no-hype environment, participants get immediately implementable tools, including:
The 6 key elements that keep you out of the feast-or-famine cycle of client generation
How to stop wasting time and money on marketing that doesn’t work so you can attract clients consistently and get your nights and weekends back
A client generation system that has a proven track record of helping both new and experienced business owners quickly generate more clients and increase their income by 50% or more.
Friday, 8/20 Webinar at 1:00 PM
Navigating Chicago’s New COVID-19 Masking Regulations
Presented by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
All individuals, regardless of their vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask as of Friday, August 20, 2021 while indoors in public settings. This webinar will provide business owners with an overview the new mask mandate requirements.
Wednesday, 8/25 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Emergency Grants and Loans for Small Businesses
Presented by Allies for Community Business
Allies for Community Business (formerly Accion Chicago) is the program administrator of the $250 million State of Illinois Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program. Join us to get detailed information about B2B eligibility and application requirements, as well as answers to your questions about the program. In addition, learn about A4CB small business loans between $500 and $100,000. A4CB will give an overview of what is required to apply for a small business loan which carries a 3% interest rate until the end of 2021.
Friday, 8/27 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Financial Statement Basics
Presented by Diane Chabes,CPA, MBA; Assistant Professor of Accounting at Rockford University’s Puri School of Business
How to get started reading, understanding and using the financial statements. What’s behind the numbers when you look at the balance sheet, income statement, statement of retained earnings and statement of cashflows for a company? This will be a brief overview of how to get information from those statements and why having competent accountants preparing them is important.
Wednesday, 9/1 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.
Wednesday, 9/8 Webinar at 3:00 PM
How to Open a Concession at O'Hare and Midway International Airports
Presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation - Concessions Department and Unison Retail Management
Are you interested in operating a restaurant or retail shop at O'Hare or Midway International Airport, but don't know where to begin? Come and learn about the Request for Proposals (RFP) process and how to operate a business at the airport. This workshop also provides an overview of the O'Hare, and Midway airport current Concessions programs; the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program; and the O'Hare 21 future expansion. Lastly, we will provide you with all the resources you will need to get started.
Friday, 9/17 Webinar at 9:30 AM
The Future of Marketing: Visual storytelling tips on how to grow your audience & clients with video.
Presented by Project & Events Manager at ESDC Jaime Garza
A clear message in visual storytelling attracts and captivates audiences. Using free online tools and social media, any business can attract, retain and bond with new and existing customers using video. Learn Youtube, Instagram and Facebook techniques, best practices and how to keep track of your numbers.
Wednesday, 9/22 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Presented by Sandra Cavato Insurance Agency
In this session, attendees will learn the coverages needed for their business. We'll discuss the right questions to ask your insurance professional and how to protect yourself and your business against lawsuits.
Reminders and Resources:
License Renewal
All licenses issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (“BACP”) under Title 4 or Title 9 of the Municipal Code of Chicago (“MCC”) that were extended temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic will expire on July 15, 2021. Impacted licenses must renew by July 15, 2021 in order to continue legal operations in Chicago. Read the Industry Notice to learn more.
Reopening City Hall
Tuesday, July 6, 2021, all BACP offices are open to limited members of the public. Please be advised that masks are required in all BACP facilities and six feet of social distancing must be maintained at all times. While offices are open to the public, we continue to strongly discourage in-person visits. Learn more about BACP’s operations.
Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses
The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers
Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, often referred to as Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services. They have have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City, and other community partners. They can help start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Find your local NBDC by visiting chicago.gov/NBDC.
Business Education Resources:
- To view upcoming webinars, visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
- To view past webinars, visit www.YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries for programs the SBA is currently administering and adds new efforts. Specifically, the new law includes:
SBA Increases Lending Limit For COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Applicants can now receive a maximum loan amount of $500,000. The lending limit increased from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
$100 million to establish a Community Navigator pilot program; grants will go to eligible organizations supporting efforts to improve access to COVID–19 pandemic assistance programs and resources.
The U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Community Navigator Pilot Program, a $100 million grant program enacted through the American Rescue Plan Act, which will provide counseling, networking and the assistance needed during this time of economic recovery to the nation’s smallest businesses. The program will target small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans.
SBA is currently accepting applications for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. To submit an application, visit sba.gov/svogrant. Deadline August 20th.
Do you have a 7(a), 504 or Micro Loan already? Debt relief is available: The SBA published an interim final rule effective January 13, 2021 allowing 8(a) Program participants to elect a one-year program extension in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program due to the challenges of COVID-19.
Small business owners: If your company is located in a designated historically underutilized business zone, it may be eligible for set-aside government contracts.
Venturize: Small business resources and loan options during COVID-19. Visit our educational portal
The U.S. Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute are hosting several webinars to help you get your business back on track.
- Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA
- Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
- Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership and small business experts
- Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community
- Discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital
Attention: Women in business! Register for upcoming webinars to learn how to get certified for the Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program, what to do after you're certified and more. The webinars will be held from July-December 2021.
Join the SBA September 13 – September 15, 2021, for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts. This free online event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Stay up to date via Twitter & SBA.gov
We will continue to share details about additional economic aid being administered by the SBA for small businesses and other eligible organizations as soon as they are determined. Stay up to date by following @SBA_Illinois on Twitter and visiting us online at www.sba.gov. More specifically, the best source of accurate information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which are available through Dec. 31, 2021, and other grants it is www.sba.gov/disaster.E-mail questions to illinois.do@sba.gov.
Community News
Back to School Resource Fair
Saturday, August 21st 10am-1pm,
Avondale-Logandale School
3212 W. George St.
Free backpacks, Covid vaccinations, flu shots and more.
Chicago Public Library Events
This summer the Chicago Public Library (CPL) will be hosting a variety of virtual programs, distributing grab-and-go kits, and developing take-home resources, as well as web-based options for participation in summer programs for children, teens, and adults. Please check online for regular event updates.
Fullerton/Milwaukee Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Webinar
$150,000.00 grants available for commercial businesses, $250,000.00 grants available to industrial businesses. Applications open Monday, August 2nd at 9 am. Applications due Tuesday, August 31st at 5 pm. . Learn more and register at chicago.gov/sbif.
My Chi My Future
Click here to learn about all of the opportunities available to kids through My Chi My Future. Resources include summer programs, job opportunities, special events, and college resources.
Small business Expo
Wednesday, August 25th 10-2
UIC Forum
725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Gather at Small Business Expo to attend business-critical workshops led by industry experts, shop from leading vendors that help small businesses grow and network to build important new business relationships.
Unity Park's Fitness in the Park
UPAC's popular Fitness in the Park is back for summer 2021! All levels and abilities are welcome for free yoga and Pilates classes in our beautiful park. Please bring your own mat (or towel or beach blanket) to exercise on. No previous experience required! Classes will be held on Saturdays & Sundays at 10AM and will last 1 hour. More information
Free Crisis Counseling Available for Chicago Residents
If you’re feeling stressed and anxious because of #COVID19, please visit illinois-strong.org to connect with a free crisis counselor near you.
Applications Are Now Open For We Will Chicago Volunteers and Community Partners
The City of Chicago's We Will planning team is seeking individuals and organizations to help develop the major themes, issues, and policy guidelines that will be included in the citywide plan.
The team is being led by staff from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Office of the Mayor, and other City departments, public agencies and stakeholders.
Questions or comments? Emal; WeWill@CityofChicago.com
Financial Navigator Program
The City of Chicago, in partnership with Heartland Alliance, has launched a Financial Navigator program to help residents manage the financial impact of COVID-19. Financial Navigators provide one-on-one telephone assistance – at no cost– navigating critical financial issues and making referrals to other social services and resources. To sign up for this Financial Navigator Program, complete an interest form at bit.ly/FinancialNavigatorsChicago.
Volunteers needed!!!!
We are planning a book sale Sunday September 12th at the Comfort Station. Could really use some extra hands. Message us on https://www.facebook.com/LoganSquareLibraryFriends
or send an email to friendsofthelogansquarelibrary@gmail.com.
Night Out at the Parks
Through multiple disciplines: theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the Chicago Park District brings high caliber performances and world-class cultural events into our parks.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/about-night-out-parks
High Road Kitchens Grant Program
High Road Kitchens Chicago will provide neighborhood restaurants with direct cash grants of $5K to $35K per restaurant. Participating restaurants must serve at least 500 free community meals, scale-up to One Fair Wage (full minimum wage with tips on top) within five years, and
complete High Road's race and gender equity training program within 90 days of qualifying for the grant. Agreement and application..
Illinois Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program
The application for the $250 million State of Illinois Back to Business (B2B) Grant Program is opening Wednesday, August 18th. Back to Business offers small businesses access to funds that can help offset losses due to COVID-19, bring back workers, and continue to rebuild from the pandemic. Allies for Community Business will be the administrator of this grant program and is available to help you with your application. If you have any questions, please submit them here. For eligibility requirements and application information, click here. Allies for Community Business is hosting webinars on the program in English on August 18th at 3:00 pm or in Spanish on August 19th at 11:00 am. Register here.
32nd Ward Book Collection!
The 32nd Ward Office is collecting Books in good shape to donate to Open Books
2657 N. Clybourn
Monday - Friday 9:00-6:00
Drop off fiction, non-fiction, craft books cookbooks, dictionaries etc.
Lucha Libre in The Park
Unity Park Advisory Council's wildly popular end of Summer/Back to School event, returns to Logan Square's Unity Park, 2636 N Kimball on Saturday, September 4th 12-3.
The event is free and no registration is required.
This year's event promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats with an awesome CARD that we will be unveiling closer to the event.
Masks Required
Put a Bird In It Workshop
August 28th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Senior Citizens Memorial Park, $15
(Cash or Paypal at event)
Proceeds go to Friends of Holstein Park
Artists of all ages will love decorating a petite, pre-constructed bird house. We will have the houses, paint, glue and other supplies on hand. Bring your own decorations to customize. What materials around the house can be recycled/ upcycled? Bring a blanket to sit on as you work on your project. Register
Clear the Shelters
Animal Care and Control
2741 S. Western Av.
The shelter is very full - of amazing dogs and cats - so there is no better time to adopt one of them! Our pets deserve safe, loving homes so let's get together to #ClearTheShelters!
From August 7 to September 19, fees at CACC are waived for all cats and dogs over 6 months old (and adult bonded pairs).
ADOPTIONS ARE BY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
More information here
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce | 2808 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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