The Department of Planning and Development provides financial assistance programs, business development grants and initiatives to promote vitality in local commercial corridors.  

DPD also provides funding to delegate agencies whose objectives include small business development, site development or area-wide marketing, maintenance and management within a specified commercial business district. 

Find information about other DPD programs, business resources and funding sources:   

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)  
TIF is a special funding tool used by the City of Chicago to promote public and private investment across the city.  

Housing and Economic Development Bond
Issued in 2024, the bond is funding a $1.25 billion investment in affordable housing and economic development over a five-year period. Proceeds are being allocated toward housing, business, innovation and job growth, and cultural and community assets.  

Special Service Areas (SSAs)  
SSAs are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas.   

Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI)
The DPD funds several not-for-profit partners to provide assistance to industrial businesses for the purpose of retaining those businesses in the city and supporting the industrial corridors.  

ChiBlockBuilder
The City of Chicago’s application portal for the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned vacant land in partnership with community stakeholders.  

Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDCs)
NBDCs include over 70 delegate agencies from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) that provide no-cost hyperlocal business development assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the city.