Chicago City Wire

A group of 14 small businesses and organizations across Chicago have been named finalists for the latest round of Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants, with awards totaling nearly $1.9 million. The announcement was made by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who highlighted the role of local entrepreneurs in revitalizing city neighborhoods.

"On behalf of my administration, I am proud to support the local businesses and entrepreneurs who are driving the revitalization of our communities," said Mayor Johnson. "The NOF grant program is a down-payment on a safer, more affordable, and thriving future for all of Chicago. I applaud the grant recipients on taking this step and look forward to seeing them grow, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of community leaders."

Grant amounts range from $47,540 to $250,000 and will help fund neighborhood improvement projects with an estimated total value of $2.8 million. Among those selected are Wagner’s Bakery Inc., a Lower West Side business operating for over a century; GCYC Food Sovereignty Hub in Greater Grand Crossing; DLV Printing Service in Austin; as well as several other restaurants, retail stores, service providers, and cultural organizations located throughout Chicago’s West, Southwest and South Side commercial corridors.

Grantees were chosen from 59 proposals submitted during an application period that ended in May. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD), led by Commissioner Ciere Boatright, evaluated applications based on project readiness and neighborhood needs.

“Each of these grants will contribute to commercial corridor vitality and complement nearby investments,” said Commissioner Boatright. “Most of these projects are blocks away from five to 10 other recent DPD grantees, which will help create a critical mass of improvements for long-term neighborhood growth.”

The NOF program is funded through fees collected from downtown construction projects. Eighty percent of those proceeds are distributed as grants supporting small business initiatives outside downtown areas. Grants can reimburse up to 75% of eligible costs for new construction or rehabilitation work; additional funds may be available for design or technical assistance expenses.

Applications for NOF grants are accepted year-round. More information is available at https://www.chicago.gov/NOF.