Small Business Resource Navigator
Through APCC's partnership with the City of Chicago our Business Planning & Development team will provide support to local businesses and owners impacted by COVID-19. Our team can assist you and your business as you navigate the myriad of COVID-19 emergency and relief programs available.
Contact our Small Business Support line:
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
Call: 773-270-3650
E-mail: esoria@apcc-chgo.org
The City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection is offering their FREE business education workshops as WEBINARS!
To view webinar topics and to register click the link above.
Today, the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) introduced an emergency alert program specifically for Chicago’s businesses called CHIBIZ Alerts.
Local business owners and managers should text “CHIBIZ” to 67283 or visit the CHIBIZ Alerts link above to opt-in.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
APCC is recognized by the City of Chicago as a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC). As a delegate agency we serve as a liaison between local businesses in Albany Park and the City of Chicago, while providing critical neighborhood business development services. In this role, APCC serves as a catalyst for economic growth, assures a stable atmosphere among our many ethnic businesses, provides leadership for the business community, and connects businesses to larger, citywide technical assistance programs. Existing and start-up business owners may take advantage of our free business consultations, educational workshops, businesses to business networking (B2B) opportunities, consumer marketing assistance and more.
BUSINESS CONSULTATIONS
Business owners and entrepreneurs in Albany Park may take advantage of one-on-one business consultations with our Director of Business Development. These consultations can be scheduled at our Albany Park location or your place of business.
Support provided in the following areas:
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Start-Up Support/Business Planning & Development
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Market Analysis & Marketing Assistance
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City Permits & Licenses
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Compliance with City and State Ordinances & Guidelines
Service Hours:
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
To meet the diverse needs of Albany Park business owners, our department offers technical assistance by way of free business workshops, application assistance, and much more. We place an emphasis on delivering culturally competent support to clients that will help their businesses flourish.
Support offered in the following areas:
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Assistance with Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) Applications
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Free Business Workshops
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Assistance applying for Licenses & Permits
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City and Federal SBA Loans (COVID-19 Relief)
Service Hours:
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
BUSINESS NETWORKING
Networking events are a great way for small business owners to promote their services and products, build new relationships and expand business opportunities and growth. Albany Park is home to a culturally diverse and active group of business owners who are always looking to network and connect.
APCC actively participates and engages our clients in the following ways:
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Business Safety Meetings
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Local Chamber of Commerce Gatherings
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B2B and Afterhours Networking Events
For info on upcoming networking events contact:
Jin Lee
Director of Business Dev.
773-509-5657 Ext. 450
CITY OF CHICAGO RESOURCES
The City of Chicago's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) department and our locally elected officials play an important role in supporting the vitality of our commercial corridors. If you would like to learn more about upcoming initiatives and ways to connect with these entities please explore the links below.
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) - Small Business Center
311 City of Chicago Services | Non-Emergency
33rd Ward Alderman | Rossana Rodriguez
35th Ward Alderman | Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
39th Ward Alderman | Samantha Nugent
40th Ward Alderman | Andre Vasquez Jr.
Are you unsure who represents you on City Council? Use this tool to find out.
TIF & SBIF IN ALBANY PARK
Tax Increment Financing or TIF is a public financing tool used by the City of Chicago to increase public and private investment across the city. In short, TIF funds are generated from growth in the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of properties within a designated district over a 23-year period. The TIF funds that are generated through this process are reinvested to support economic development and/or public improvement projects in designated TIF Districts. Albany Park is home to The Lawrence/Kedzie TIF District
The Lawrence/Kedzie TIF is characterized by multi-family residential buildings, mixed-use commercial properties, and numerous institutional and open space sites in the North Park and Albany Park communities. Project priorities in this area include new and rehabilitated commercial projects, rehabilitation of existing residential properties, the replacement of obsolete commercial and industrial buildings, enhanced off-street parking, facade improvements along shopping corridors and more.
The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) program uses TIF revenues to help owners of commercial and industrial properties within TIF districts to repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Program participants can apply to receive grants to cover between 25% percent and 75% of the cost of remodeling work, with a maximum grant of $100,000 for commercial properties and $150,000 for industrial properties. If awarded, grant funds administered by SomerCor the City's behalf, do not have to be repaid.
Projects that qualify for SBIF reimbursement:
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Facade repair and replacement
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Permanent interior renovations and build out
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New windows, floors or roof
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New heating, ventilation and air conditioning
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Plumbing
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Electrical
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Improvements to accommodate disabled patrons or workers
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Purchase of adjacent property for building expansion or parking
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Project-related design and construction fees
