Happy Wednesday Logan Square!
We continue to identify ways to help our small business community during these trying times. Our work with the Small Business Advocacy Council has allowed us to get in front of issues that matter.
Illinois received over $8 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds. However, only $250 million was allocated to the new grant program for struggling small businesses. These funds will likely be exhausted before many eligible businesses receive grants. With billions of ARPA funds remaining, we're asking policymakers to allocate an additional $300 million for grants to struggling small businesses.
Our action call this week, ask your legislators to support struggling small businesses! Fill out our call to action:
Our indoor farmers market season is coming to a close. Over the past 20 weeks, we hosted over 30 vendors and served over 7,000 visitors. We look forward to our last indoor market this coming Sunday! Our outdoor season starts Sun, 5/8 at 9AM!
Meet You At The Market,
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!
2537 N. Pulaski Rd
9am- 2pm
This Sunday is the last and final indoor market before we head back outside! Keep a lookout on our vendors social media and websites for a stock up sale! Our first outdoor market isn't until May 8th, so you are going to want to stock your pantry with all of the market goodies.
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MARKET NEWS
- We are hiring! If you are interested or know anyone looking to be a part of our local food system, we encourage you to apply now.
- May 8th, Mother's Day is our first outdoor market day! Grab your mom and head to the market to get her a fresh bouquet of flowers and a treat.
- Calling all volunteers! Our market cannot go on without the help of our volunteers! Please go to signup genius.com to sign up for some volunteer shifts, or email amanda@loganchamber.org if you're looking to volunteer regularly for the outdoor season.
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 2021 WINNER!
LOGAN SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
"BEST FARMERS MARKET"
Chamber Member News
Pictures with the Easter Bunny!
Sunsay, April 10th 10:30-12:30
The Joinery
2533 W. Homer St.
Join Caleb Jennings of the Kambs Jennings Group of Compass Mortgage & Liz Jones of Keller Williams ONE Chicago for complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny!
We will be at The Joinery taking professional photos on a first come, first serve basis.
We will then email you a link to your digital photo. Be sure to RSVP to secure yourself a spot!
Apple Blossom Online Auction for Harmony House
The Auction runs Saturday, April 16th through Sunday, April 24th. It is the purrfect time to shop for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation and Weddings. Mark your calendar so you do not miss this fabulous event. Artwork, gift baskets, home décor, jewelry and purses, pet accessories, collectibles, gift cards and more! Bid from the comfort of your own home. Winning bidders will pay by credit card through the auction website and pick up their items at Harmony House in person. Dates and hours for pickups will be listed on the auction website.
If you have a NEW item that you would like us to consider for the Apple Blossom Online Auction, please email us a photo, description, and approximate value for each item to info@hhforcats.org for the auction committee to evaluate. Auction donations may not be dropped off at the shelter without preapproval. Space is limited.
Harmony House
is a 501(c)3 organization
Los Amigos Books
Los Amigos Books, an online bookstore that specializes in Spanish language books for children and young adults, is opening a physical location at the Berwyn Shops on June 3rd! Los Amigos Books is owned and operated by Laura Rodriguez-Romaní, a Logan Square local. The Berwyn Shops is a retail incubator for the City of Berwyn designed to support emerging entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers who are committed to taking their businesses to the next level. It will be located at 6931 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn, IL, and will feature twelve 12'x15' cottage-style shops. During the inaugural 2022 season, the shops will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June to mid-December. We hope to see you there!
Welcome to the First Ever Nationwide Compass Mortgage $10k Wedding Giveaway!
Here at Compass, we partner with you on the big milestone of owning your own home, but we know there are many more special milestones in life, like your wedding day!
If you are getting married or renewing your vows in 2022, we want to help make your wedding dreams come true. We are thrilled to be awarding 3 lucky couples with $10,000 each to put towards their wedding.
All couples getting married 1/1/22-12/31/22 are eligible Deadeline April 30, 2022.
For more information and to enter click here.
RCN is Changing Our Name To Reflect Who We Are & What We Do Your passions are what fuel us to keep innovating and to continue to astound you every day. Introducing Astound Broadband powered by RCN. Contact Bill Leark for special pricing 312-804-1729 or bill.leark@rcn.net
Oliva Gallery Presents "56 Milwaukee"
In celebration of the 6th year anniversary of the Gallery
Named after Kimberly Oliva's high school bus line 56/Milwaukee, the exhibition features 2D and 3D artists from 90's-2000's whose creative endeavors inspired her to open up a contemporary art gallery. "I consider Milwaukee Avenue as a roadmap/time line of my life, punctuated by the electric energy from the Around the Coyote Festivals, dancing at Medusa's at Congress Theatre to hanging out at Earwax renting movies and meeting the likes of Wesley Willis. I look to 90's-2000's Wicker Park as such a vibrant catalyst in the Midwest arts scene."
March 11 through April 16, 2022
12-4pm
3816 W. Armitage Av.
First Exhibition of 2022 at the
Comfort Station
April 2nd - 23rd
Opening reception April 2nd 6-9
2579 N. Milwaukee Av.
Natalia Villanueva Linares "Mina" translates to mine in Spanish, a place to find treasures. A tripartite installation revealing the ingredients and gestures to make sacred bricks.
This year's art program consists of an exceptional group of Chicago artists whose work really resonated with our community. So naturally we wanted to share their work and showcase these artists in the heart of Logan Square!
Check out the Calendar here
Logan Parlor Updates
Celebrating 9 years of gender free pricing, Logan Parlor is back at the market offering their pop up shop" beards and bangs, braids and fades" Stop by for a complimentary session and customized consultation by our salon professionals. We can't wait to see you! @loganparlorhair
3251 W. Fullerton
872-206-2682
Andros Taverna Happenings
Take a look at our website to view upcoming events in our neighborhood and the latest special offerings from the team at Andros Taverna.
2542 N. Milwaukee Av.
773-365-1900
Design Harmony House's 2022 Walk T-Shirt
This is last year's winning design. Click this link to see previous Walk shirt designs. https://www.facebook.com/media/set The winner receives a $50 Amazon gift card plus three Walk t-shirts. Deadline for submission is June 12, 2022.
Rules and information here.
Team Burrlevard Vet will be plunging into the lake on Sunday, March 27th! Donate to our team page to be entered to win a Landmarks of Logan Square gift pack.
For those of you not familiar, once a year ALIVE Rescue hosts a fundraiser event at Lake Michigan in the middle of winter where supporters plunge into the freezing cold water to raise money for pets!
Each donation made to our team page through Sunday, March 27th counts as an entry towards a Landmarks of Logan Square gift pack. This fundraiser is open to all locations!
Extended Brunch at the Whale
Beginning March 5th Brunch is extended to 4:00 pm
2427 N. Milwaukee Av.
773-825-2900
Necessary & Sufficient Wishes You a Happy Spring!
We just can't wait to share our Spring menu and new offerings with you. I love Specialty Coffee and I'm totally hooked on the culture as well as the product. The first time I had coffee that delivered on the flavor promised by the aroma was Olympia Coffee Roasting Company's specialty beans. I could not have imagined then, that I would be partnering with Olympia in my own Logan Square cafe.
Compass Mortgage Webinar
Wednesday, March 30th 7-9 pm
Are you ready to buy a home for the first time? Are you debating on buying a home for the first time? Join the Kambs Jennings Group as we cover the top 20 questions first time homebuyers wished they would have asked Register here
Men's Clothing Drive
Northside Latin Progress is in need of new or lightly used men's winter jackets and coats to help immigrant men. Boots and jeans are also needed.
Day time pickup available. Call Gretchen Moore 312-343-0804 or drop at off at 1917 N. Kedzie (security camera for safe drop off)
Business Updates
BACP, SBA, Cook County, Federal & State of IL
BACP Updates
The BACP Small Business Center is open to limited in-person visits. Masks and social distancing will be required, and remote consultations are still strongly encouraged. Visit this BACP site for updates.
Applications for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) CityArts Program Grant are now open!
The goal of DCASE’s CityArts Program is to encourage the attainment of artistic excellence and financial stability, and to incentivize innovation related to citywide priorities. This year’s program will include opportunities to apply for general operating grants across all artistic disciplines, as well as special project grants to support Chicago's dance community. For eligibility criteria and other details, More information and application here
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.
Sidewalk signs will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining a permit Effective March 1, 2022, sidewalk signs (e.g. A-frame, T-frame, or other temporary self-supporting type signs, placed on the public way) will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining the proper City permit. Street-front businesses will now be able to use sidewalk signs to advertise their business safely and effectively from the sidewalk. The advertisement of services with sidewalk signs helps businesses draw in foot traffic from the street, providing an important boost to revenue customer traffic.Inspections, Permitting & Licensing web portal.
As of February 28, the City will remove the mask and vaccine requirements for certain public spaces to align with the State of Illinois’ previously announced plans to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate on that day.
Activities can resume without wearing a mask indoors on February 28, except where required by federal, state, local, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Masks will continue to be required in the following settings:
- Healthcare settings
- Congregate settings (long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, shelters, etc.)
- Public transportation (airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, ride-hail, maritime transportation, trolleys, etc.): Follow federal guidelines in effect through at least March 18, 2022
Businesses can make independent decisions to continue to implement public health mitigations, including requiring masks and vaccination.
As the City transitions its mitigation measures to remove the mask requirement, many Chicagoans will continue to wear masks in public spaces for a variety of reasons, even if they are vaccinated. For example, after 5 days of isolation or quarantine, masks will continue to be required in days 6-10 in public spaces, as they are now. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends Chicagoans who may be immunocompromised or have a family member who is immunocompromised still wear a mask, as well residents who are unvaccinated.
The key metrics of the City used to track COVID-19 cases and hospital capacity since early in the pandemic include COVID-19 cases diagnosed per day, test positivity, and hospital and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. Visit the COVID-19 Dashboard for data. By February 28, assuming declines continue in the 7-day rolling average, the city will have been in the lower risk range for two weeks and able to lift these restrictions.
Please be kind and considerate of your fellow Chicagoans and the decisions we all continue to make to protect ourselves and those around us.
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.
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Wednesday, 3/23 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Getting Started in SEO: An Introduction to Search Engine Optimization
Presented by Edwin Romero (Independent SEO Consultant)
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or the process of improving search engine visibility, is a marketing channel that is often either overlooked or misunderstood by small business owners. In this webinar, we will review the significance of SEO for small business owners, how SEO can serve as a long term, cost efficient marketing channel and what fundamental best practices should be kept in mind when optimizing for SEO.
Friday, 3/25 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Presented by Sandra Cavoto 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.
Wednesday, 3/30 Webinar at 3:00 PM
Small Business Marketing: What To Know, How to Start & What to Expect
Presented by Score Chicago
Learn about the fundamentals of marketing, why small business need marketing, how small business can start marketing and what results you can expect.
Reminders and Resources:
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
SBA and Business Forward Announce Launch of the “Small Business Digital Alliance”
Today, the SBA and Business Forward, Inc., a non-profit organization working with small business leaders in support of policies promoting America’s economic competitiveness, announced the launch of the Small Business Digital Alliance. A joint public-private co-sponsorship, the SBDA will connect small businesses with critical tech resources to start and expand their e-commerce business to scale for success. The new initiative will also feature a series of free briefings and training to help small businesses access and utilize these digital tools to reach new markets, find diverse talent, improve operations, and raise capital.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Panels and discussion topics include:
Innovation and Investment, Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs, From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities, The $100B Marketplace: Contracting Opportunities for Women-led Firms, Exporting & E-Commerce, The Changing Landscape for Entertainment and Hospitality Industries
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
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 SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up to provide small business owners and leaders with a series of webinars that will cover resources to help small businesses grow and thrive. Reg
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
Thursday, March 31st 11:00-12:30
Make this the year your dream of business ownership in Chicago comes true!
About this event
Advisers from 36Squared Business Incubator will be available to discuss resources for starting or growing your business in Chicago including:
Writing a Business Plan
Free local assistance
Export assistance
Business planning
Forming a corporation
Finding funding
and MORE!
This event is FREE thanks to our sponsors at the CIBC, The City of Chicago, SBA, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and others.
2022 Virtual Construction Summit Thursday, March 24th 9:30-5:00
A full day of 5 workshops focused on construction and construction related contracting opportunities. Engage with City of Chicago user departments and gain valuable insight into doing business with the City! Visit www.chicago.gov/construction to register.
Easter Egg Hunt at Senior Citizens Memorial Park
Saturday, April 2nd 10-10:30 am
Senior Citizens Memorial Park
2228 N. Oakley Av.
Join us for a morning Egg Hunt and decorate a flower pot as we get ready to welcome the return of spring.
Please register for the egg hunt for ages 0-4 at 10am, or egg hunt for 5+ at 10:30 a.m. Don't forget your basket!
This is a free event sponsored by Friends of Holstein Park. A suggested $10 family donation is welcome to support our parks.
Avondale Neighborhood Plan
The Avondale Neighborhood Association (ANA) is working with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the City of Chicago Department of Planning to develop a neighborhood plan that will represent a vision for the future of the community. While the community of Avondale attracts new development, it important to consider a vision that would reflect what development is desired.
To ensure the wants of residents are included in this vision, community engagement will be a central part of this neighborhood plan. We want to hear from you! Please use the tabs below to share your thoughts and ideas for the community.
For English click here
Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj
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
Minnekirken
"Fourth Sunday" Concert Series
Minnekirken will be hosting a free concert on the fourth Sunday of every month at 1pm (after coffee hour). Due to the current Covid protocols, we will require proof of vaccination at the door. We will also be collecting canned and dry good food donations for Logan Square Mutual Aid. The table for the donations will be at the door.
Jobs Available at the Park District
Full Time, Part-Time and Seasonal Jobs
Visit our website
Spring in the Parks
Be on the lookout for all the Spring programs the Chicago Park District will be offering. Check their website
Chicago Public Library Events
This Fall and Winter 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.
Free Tax Prep Help
The City of Chicago is committed to ensuring that hardworking Chicagoans can access free tax services to file their returns and claim their tax refunds. The City of Chicago works with its nonprofit partner, Ladder Up, to offer free tax help throughout the tax season and at various points in the off-season.
Ladder Up is excited to open 13 tax sites throughout the Chicagoland area and is offering in-person and drop-off services to clients for the 2022 tax season.
Grants Available for Small Businesses
Allies for Community Business has partnered with several public and private organizations to provide grants to small businesses over the last several years. Since April of 2020, we have provided over $477M in grants to 23,000 small businesses in Illinois and Indiana
As new grant opportunities arise, we will post them here along with instructions on how to apply.
Visit our website.
Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting for the
2022 Season
The city-wide program offers seven to nine months of employment and on-the-job training in ecological restoration, green infrastructure, tree care, and landscaping. Training happens both in the classroom and in the field with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and other project partners. Greencorps is a green industry employment and training opportunity for individuals with barriers to employment.
Diabetes Online Prevention Program
Mondays: 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Meeting ID: 836 4304 3905
Passcode: 635386
No computer? You can scan the QR code using your
Disabled Entrepreneurship Roundtable
Monday, April 4th 9-10 am
Join us for this free online discussion of available grants, incentives and FREE assistance for disabled entrepreneurs.
Got a disability? Thinking about starting a business? Then this online discussion is for you! Join experts from the Illinois Small Business Development Center, City of Chicago NBDC program and others to discuss challenges, opportunities and services available for the entrepreneurs with disabilities.
This event is FREE thanks to our friends at CIBC, the SBA, City of Chicago, 36Squared and the Greater Southwest Development Corporation.
Chicago's Citywide Clean & Green
Saturday, April 23rd all day
The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) invites Chicagoans to a citywide annual Clean and Green Day of Service to clean and beautify neighborhoods..
During Clean and Green, residents and local organizations help revitalize areas in their community by doing tasks such as collecting litter, removing weeds and clearing vacant lots. Residents and groups interested in volunteering for Clean and Green are asked to first identify a worksite, and then call their local aldermanic office or 3-1-1 to register their volunteer group
It Starts With You
Join CPD Expanded criteria
View requirements and apply here..
Koz Park Spring Benefit
Thursday, April 7th 7 - 10
Reed's Local
3017 W. Belmont
Enjoy food from local restaurants, drinks with friends, and help us bring free movies and music to Kosciuszko Park this Summer!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koz-park-spring-benefit-at-reeds-local-tickets-274704086317
Street Cleaning Starts April 1st
Chicago's street sweeping season will begin April 1st and run through mid-November. If a street is scheduled for sweeping, a temporary no parking sign will be posted along the route the day before service to ensure curb-to-curb cleaning. Some arterial streets may already have permanently posted signs that specify a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited due to sweeping.
Residents who need more than one day notice of street sweeping should contact their local ward sanitation office.
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce | 2808 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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