Small Business Storefront Activations
The COVID-19 pandemic has left significant increases in commercial corridor vacancy rates across the City. Brick and mortar businesses that rely on foot traffic to drive sales were particularly harmed as commercial corridors across the city saw major reductions in economic activity.
Fourteen (14) community and economic development organizations have been awarded grants as part of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program. These selected organizations will work with small business owners and landlords to provide rapid relief to small businesses by activating vacant storefronts into burgeoning business spaces. The goal of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program is to boost local spending and draw additional foot traffic to commercial corridors across the City.
If you are a business owner and are interested in participating in this program, please fill out the Storefront Activation Program Small Business Interest Form.
2023 - 2025 Small Business Storefront Activation Program Grantees:
- Calumet Area Industrial Commission
- Coalition For a Better Chinese American Community
- DishRoulette Kitchen NFP
- Greater Chatham Initiative
- Greater Southwest Development Corporation
- Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
- Midway Chamber of Commerce
- Portage Park Chamber of Commerce
- The Far South Community Development Corporation
- The Magnificent Mile Association
- The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
- Uptown United
- West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce
List of Storefront Activation Program Grantees
Questions may be emailed to BACPEconomicRecovery@cityofchicago.org
Calumet Area Industrial Commission
Burst Into Books
119 E 107th St, Chicago, IL 60628
Tuesday to Friday (11AM – 6PM), Saturday (10AM – 5PM)
- Burst into Books envisions a world that is transformed through intentional access to culturally responsive literature. Their goal is to provide culturally relevant enrichment opportunities, engage and support the community through access to resources, and leverage the brilliance of Black people to cultivate published authors.
- https://www.burstintobooks.org
- info@calumetareaindustrial.com
- 9th Ward
BuenGro
3016 E. 92nd St, Chicago, IL 60617
Monday to Wednesday & Friday (8AM – 6PM), Thursday (8AM- 2PM), Saturday & Sunday (9AM - 4PM)
- BuenGro offers a wide variety of high-quality, locally grown flowers and plants, perfect for any occasion. From vibrant bouquets and elegant arrangements to lush houseplants and garden essentials, our products are carefully selected and nurtured to ensure they bring joy and freshness to your life.
- https://buengro.com
- info@calumetareaindustrial.com
- 10th Ward
Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community
Canal Pop!
2236-8 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616
Monday to Wednesday (By Appointment Only), Thursday & Friday (12PM – 8PM), and Saturday & Sunday (10AM – 6PM) starting June 15th
- Canal Pop! will feature AAPI makers and provide an incubator for these entrepreneurs to grow in a retail environment and receive training from industry experts on how to grow their businesses. From hand sewn clothing to ceramics, the incubator will be the new destination in Chinatown. Visit and purchase gifts for yourself and your loved ones from our talented makers!
- https://cbcacchicago.org/canalpop
- info@cbcacchicago.org
- 11th Ward
Canal POP!2.0
211 W 23rd St, Chicago, IL 60616
Tuesday (10AM – 3PM), Wednesday (12PM – 8PM), Friday (12PM – 7PM), and Sunday (10AM – 3PM)
- The CanalPOP!2.0 storefront incubator will showcase LIFEisTEA, a social enterprise tea house benefiting People Matter's social justice work. Three ceramicists will also feature their culturally infused handmade creations. Experience traditional gongfucha-style Chinese tea in a serene setting, perfect for working, relaxing, or socializing. Enjoy craft brewed tea, private tastings, workshops like "Decolonizing Tea," and special events. Discover unique gifts for loved ones this holiday season.
- https://cbcacchicago.org/canalpop
- info@cbcacchicago.org
- 11th Ward
DishRoulette Kitchen NFP
More information coming soon.
Greater Chatham Initiative
Mahalia’s
735 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Tuesday to Saturday (11AM – 7PM)
- Mahalia's is more than just a retail store. Greater Chatham Initiative has created this community-centric space that celebrates and promotes the creativity and talent within Chicago’s black communities. Mahalia's offers a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces reflecting the diversity and richness of black culture and creativity. This unique establishment is dedicated to providing a platform for over 30 vendors to showcase and sell their exceptional products.
- https://mahalias.com
- mahalias@greaterchathaminitiative.org or 312-429-0898
- 6th Ward
Greater Southwest Development Corporation
The Shop
2609 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629
Friday & Saturday (12PM – 6PM)
- Our pop-up features products made by Black and Latina-owned businesses, such as jewelry, gourmet Mexican candy, luxury skin and beauty products, woodsy colognes and floral perfumes, and artisanal clothing and accessories native to Mexico.
- https://greatersouthwest.org/
- z.ek@greatersouthwest.org
- 16th Ward
Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce
Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce’s Local on Lincoln Storefront Activation site ended programming on 11/30/24. For more information on this organization, visit: https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
6544 W Archer, Chicago, IL 60638
Monday to Sunday (11AM - 11PM)
- Family owned and operated restaurant that offers the “Most Life Changing Grilled Cheese in America and Tokyo” according to Equire magazine.
- https://www.cheesies.com
- director@midwaychamber.org
- 23rd Ward
Portage Park Chamber of Commerce
Little Sweetpea’s Vintage Store
4948 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Friday, Saturday, and every other Sunday (12PM – 4PM) and by appointment.
- Little Sweetpea’s Vintage Store carries vintage clothing, jewelry, purses and collectibles. Sustainably sourced Free People, Anthropologie and a few other brands will be sold as well.
- 45th Ward
And She Bakes Too
4938 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Friday – Sunday (8AM – 6PM)
- And She Bakes Too specializes in providing desserts that have been derived from recipes passed down from generation to generation in the owner’s family. As a self-taught baker, Paris strives for invoking the same excitement she has for baking in each of her customers. With a modern twist and flavor in each dessert, And She Bakes Too hopes you feel a piece of our love in every bite.
- michael@portageparkchamber.org
- 45th Ward
The Far South Community Development Corporation
Far South Marketplace
837 W 115th Street, Chicago, IL 60643
Monday to Sunday (12PM – 6PM)
- Far South Marketplace will have a variety of items for every shopper. From sculptures and fans of Africa, home goods, and memorial keepsakes to teas, herbal tinctures, and small batch fresh roasted coffee. Beauty products. hair products, apparel, accessories, and candles too!
- https://farsouthcdc.org/marketplace
- cam@farsouthcdc.org
- 21st Ward
The Magnificent Mile Association
Semicolon Bookstore
400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Monday to Sunday (12PM – 7PM)
- Founded in 2019 by art curator and book lover DL Moore, Semicolon Bookstore was established as a safe space for readers interested in stories by and about minority authors. As Chicago’s only Black woman-owned bookstore and gallery, Semicolon is "committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge, while also using the power of words to better our community."
- https://www.semicolonchi.com
- lkora@themagnificentmile.com
- 42nd Ward
Chicago Fair Trade’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop
663 N Michigan, Chicago, IL, 60611
Monday to Saturday (11:00AM – 7:00PM) & Sunday (11:00AM – 6:00PM)
- Chicago Fair Trade’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop offers a curated selection of fair trade, eco-friendly products from over two dozen local businesses. This unique shopping experience makes it easy to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts that create a positive impact on communities locally and globally, featuring everything from gourmet treats and cozy apparel to elegant home décor!
- 42nd Ward
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
ESTU
2712 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Monday to Friday (4:30PM - 9:30PM)
- ESTU is a Photography Studio that offers comprehensive photography packages including: Weddings, Portraits, Events Commercial, etc. The studio also has a gallery space dedicated to exhibit and sell photography.
- https://www.jaaydiaz.com
- eduardoa@prcc-chgo.org
- 26th Ward
408 Fabrication
2716 W Division, Chicago, IL 60622
Monday to Friday (10AM – 5PM)
- 408 is a fabrication shop for artists, museums, architects, cultural institution that provides design to fabrication to installation services. We help to sculpt our clients’ vision and provide the tools necessary for artists and creatives to grow as professionals and reach their goals. 408 Fabrication will also have an exhibition space and host public events.
- 408fabrication.com
- eduardoa@prcc-chgo.org
- 26th Ward
El Schomburg | Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo
2538 W Division, Chicago, IL 60622
Monday to Friday (Appointment Only), Saturday & Sunday (11AM – 1PM, 2PM – 6PM)
- This gallery features art by local artists as well as from Puerto Rico. The art ranged from fine art paintings, poster, stickers and both handmade and digital prints. El Schomburg will also host five annual exhibitions with opening and closing receptions.
- https://www.elschomburg.com
- eduardoa@prcc-chgo.org
- 26th Ward
Honeycomb Network
2659 W Division, Chicago, IL 60622
Wednesday to Friday (1PM – 7PM), Saturday & Sunday (12PM – 5PM)
- This space will host a boutique apothecary gift shop, community event space, BIPOC bookstore and mini library, and hosts art exhibits by local BIPOC artists, as well as, providing holistic service.
- https://www.thehoneycombnetwork.com
- eduardoa@prcc-chgo.org
- 26th Ward
Reina’s Cakes
2550 W Division, Chicago, IL 60622
Wednesday to Sunday (11AM – 5PM)
- This shop will feature wearables exclusively designed for Reina’s Cakes as well as party supply and home-made cakes sold from her colorful mobile carts stationed in front of the store.
- https://www.facebook.com/cakesdereina
- eduardoa@prcc-chgo.org
- 26th Ward
Uptown United
Pop Craft
1109 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640
Weekdays (1-9PM), Weekends (11AM-9PM)
- At Pop Craft, shoppers can expect an immersive and creative experience at this space, where they'll have the opportunity to engage in do-it-yourself (DIY) and crafting activities. Visitors can enjoy craft-based workshops (e.g. tufting, ceramic painting, and crafting handmade cosmetics) and interactive sessions designed to inspire creativity and provide hands-on learning opportunities. Pop Craft aims to foster a vibrant and engaging atmosphere where individuals can explore their artistic talents and create unique handmade items.
- https://popcraftstudio.com/
- info@exploreuptown.org
- 46th Ward
Chicago Fair Trade Museum & Store
4704 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
Wednesday-Saturday, (12-5PM)
- The Chicago Fair Trade Museum's mission is to inspire visitors to use their voice and spending power to demand ethically and sustainably-made products. In this interactive and immersive space, visitors will learn about the historical roots of injustice in international trade and business, how fair trade provides a people- and planet- friendly alternative, and Chicago's important role in the global labor rights movement. Visitors will discover how to build a better world by making thoughtful choices about the products they buy, and will have the chance to shop for beautiful, one-of-a-kind items in the Museum's fair trade store. The first museum dedicated to fair trade in the world, the Chicago Fair Trade Museum recently won a 2024 Innovation Award from the Illinois Association of Museums.
- chicagofairtrade.org/chicago-fair-trade-museum
- info@exploreuptown.org
- 46th Ward
West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce
Universe of Harth
1821 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Thursday to Saturday (11AM – 6PM); Sunday to Mon (11AM – 3PM)
- Universe of Harth is the embodiment of your favorite core memory. Our uniquely curated sensory experiences allow people to be more open to future possibilities by unifying “then” with “right now.” UoH stands out among other fragrance brands in its commitment to sustainable practices and a unique perspective on product development, because of the visionary approach of its founder, Amanda Christine Harth. At the core of Universe's identity is the fusion of innovation and responsibility, setting it apart in the competitive landscape. Universe's dedication to product creation goes beyond the traditional boundaries.
- universeofharth.com
- ggerken@westtownchamber.org
- 36th Ward
MAK Chicago
1716 W Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Tuesday to Thursday (10AM – 6PM); Friday 10AM – 8PM); Saturday & Sunday (10AM – 5PM)
- The Makers Artist Ko-op is a retail gallery featuring unique and original pieces from over fifty Ukrainian artists, as well as antiques and vintage furnishings. MAK is dedicated to serving as a cultural bridge, introducing the community to the rich tapestry of Ukrainian folk art.
- instagram.com/mak.chicago/
- ggerken@westtownchamber.org
- 1st Ward
Matiz Press
1901 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Monday (11AM – 7PM); Friday( 11AM – 7PM); Sunday (10AM – 6PM)
- Matiz Press is a Chicago-based risograph print studio and gallery focused on making printmaking accessible, particularly to underrepresented communities. Alongside offering vibrant, eco-friendly prints, zines, and DIY kits, we host workshops and collaborative projects that engage and inspire. Our consignment platform invites local artists to showcase and sell their work through our studio, with an emphasis on promoting diverse voices in the printmaking world.
- https://matizpress.com/
- ggerken@westtownchamber.org
- 36th Ward