Did you know the U.S. Small Business Administration has a regional office located at 500 West Madison? We also have a certified Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 855 West Adams. Both locations are focused on supporting independent entrepreneurs and their pursuits through a combination of business development planning, government contracting opportunities.
Read MoreToday, the grand jury overseeing the killing of Breonna Taylor involving 3 Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers announced wanton endangerment charges against 1 of the officers. At the request of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), we are preemptively sharing the below public safety reminders in the event of any local civil unrest.
Read MoreSeptember 22 isn't just the Fall Equinox; today marks the ninth annual National Voter Registration Day! So we're taking a moment to share some important voting resources with the community, as casting your ballot this year may look a little different.
Read MoreAs part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its cosponsors will host special webinars this Thursday and Friday, September 24-25, 2020, for small businesses and their employees in the construction, supply, and service sectors.
Read MoreAs part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and its cosponsors will host all-virtual events tomorrow through Thursday, September 22-24, 2020. Check inside for the week's conference schedule.
Read MoreThe Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will begin accepting applications for the second round of BIG funds tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, September 17. To help you prepare for your application, see below for guidance.
Read MorePlease join 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and the 25th Ward Zoning Advisory Board for a virtual community meeting regarding the proposed development at 1130-1144 West Monroe Street (WNDR Museum).
Read MoreWhile CPD does not expect civil unrest to occur, in light of yesterday’s shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, WI, some public safety precautions are in place this evening from 8PM-5AM tomorrow morning. There are currently no changes to public transportation and no access points in place for Downtown.
Read MorePlease be advised that the restricted overnight access to the downtown area will continue through the weekend. Restricted access will be in place from 9PM to 6AM each night, ending at 6AM on Monday, August 17. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.
Read MoreEffective immediately, there will temporarily be restricted access to the downtown area from 8PM to 6AM beginning this evening. The restricted access to the downtown area is not a curfew. Businesses are not required to close, taxi and ride-hail service can continue, and residents and workers will have access to the downtown area during this time through specific access points.
Read MoreThe City has announced that three companies have been granted permission to operate shared e-scooters in a pilot launching August 12. Bird, Lime and Spin are allowed to operate devices citywide, except for downtown, the Lakefront Trail and the Bloomingdale Trail (The 606). At the end of the four-month pilot, the City will evaluate whether shared e-scooters should be part of Chicago’s future.
Read MorePlease join 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. and the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) for a community meeting regarding the proposed development at 1012-1024 W. Randolph St. and 147-155 N. Carpenter St.: a 5-story office/retail building approximately 80-feet tall.
Read MoreMayor Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a re-tightening of COVID-19 restrictions for bars, restaurants, gyms and personal services as a precautionary move in response to a recent increase in community cases of the virus.
Read MoreMayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the City has awarded a $56 million grant to Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership), in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, NORC at the University of Chicago, Malcolm X College – one of the City Colleges of Chicago – and Sinai Urban Health Institute, to carry out contact tracing services in Chicago.
Read MoreMayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health announced that Chicago is ready to move to phase four of the “Protecting Chicago” reopening framework on Friday, June 26. Under this phase, most Chicago businesses can open under limited capacity with appropriate safeguards in place. Specifically, most businesses will be subject to a 25% capacity limit, with a maximum of 50 people in indoor spaces and 100 outdoors.
Read MoreMayor Lightfoot announced that, beginning Wednesday, June 17, bars, lounges, taverns, breweries and other drinking establishments that sell alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food License will be able to open for outdoor service only. Liquor establishments that are reopening must follow the industry guidelines, which includes health and safety restrictions similar to those that restaurants have been following since June 3, including the same requirements for outdoor service only.
Read MoreBuilding on efforts to support local businesses impacted by COVID-19, the proposed ordinance will reduce fees, expand the opportunity for revenue and expedite the permitting process for Sidewalk Cafes while removing a regulatory burden for the new Expanded Outdoor Dining Permits. The support measure was passed by the Committee on Transportation and Public Way today and will be considered by the full City Council on Wednesday, June 17.
Read MoreToday, the City of Chicago announced new precautionary measures to further ensure the health and safety of residents and the hundreds of peaceful protestors participating in rallies. As part of these efforts, the City announced that multiple routes to the Central Business District will be temporarily reduced today following multiple public safety incidents and property damage that occurred overnight.
Read MoreCautiously reopening in phase three will still require strict physical distancing but will begin to allow for some industries to start reopening. Regardless of industry reopening plans, all residents should continue to abide by important guidance in phase three, including: physically distancing and wearing a face covering; limiting non-business, social gatherings to <10 persons; staying at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19; and getting tested if you have symptoms.
Read MoreThe exact date of the transition to phase three will be based on the health data and we will share that timeline as soon as it is announced by Mayor Lightfoot and CDPH. This post will provide you with an overview of the industries that can plan on reopening in some capacity when we make this transition in early June. Next week, we will be issuing industry-specific guidance that will ensure a safe and cautious reopening.
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