Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) have announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at revitalizing vacant storefronts in South Lawndale. The initiative, called the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program, is designed to support small businesses along the 26th Street Commercial Corridor.

According to Mayor Johnson, “Investments like this are at the center of my administration’s commitment to supporting to small businesses and growing our commercial corridors into thriving community hubs. Through this RFP, we will have a community-level partner organization leading the way to inspire entrepreneurship and create jobs in one of the city’s most well-known commercial corridors. The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program will fill storefronts and contribute to a safer and stronger South Lawndale neighborhood.”

The program seeks a local community or economic development organization as its lead partner. This organization will identify vacant spaces, negotiate leases, facilitate new retail or market openings, and provide technical assistance such as marketing support, business development guidance, and strategic planning for participating small businesses. The approach aims to help entrepreneurs establish themselves quickly while ensuring long-term sustainability.

BACP Commissioner Ivan J. Capifali stated, "The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program is a direct investment in the resilience and future of our commercial corridors. By empowering a local community partner, we can tailor support to the specific needs of South Lawndale, helping businesses to launch, expand, and contribute to a vibrant local economy."

Funding for this project comes from the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan through resources provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The RFP will award up to $250,000 for an anticipated contract term of up to 14 months. Activations under this program could begin as early as January 2026.

Proposals must be submitted by October 8th, 2025 before noon CDT. An optional virtual pre-submittal conference is scheduled for September 19th at 10:00 AM. More information about registration for this session or details on submitting proposals can be found on the City’s eProcurement website at http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement by searching for RFP #57044.