In an effort to increase retail and restaurant activity in the heart of West Chicago, the Downtown Retail & Restaurant Business Grant Program has been revised.
Originally established in 2013, the program has awarded only one grant in its history, which was just recently reimbursed with the opening of Raised Bakery and Cafe. As a result of the underutilization of the original program, significant changes have been made to the Program to better attract and support new and existing businesses in downtown West Chicago.
These revisions align with the City’s broader commitment to revitalizing its downtown and come on the heels of the recent announcement of the new Downtown Investment Program. Both programs align with the City’s goals focused on activating the downtown outlined in the Economic Development Plan, Strategic Plan, and Comprehensive Plan.
Details of the Program are available in both English and Spanish, on the City’s website.
Program Purpose
Complementing the Downtown Investment Program which offers property improvement incentives, the revised Downtown Retail & Restaurant Grant Program aims to help downtown businesses thrive by offering financial assistance for services that enhance their operations and presence. The grant supports services tied to business development, marketing, and growth, helping new and existing retailers and restaurants strengthen their business models.
Program Overview
The revised program offers several enhancements to make it more impactful for local businesses:
- Expanded Eligible Expenses: In addition to traditional marketing and advertising services, funding is available for expenses such as retail consulting, visual merchandising, online sales platforms, and website development.
- Streamlined Approval Process: The approval process is more efficient with the elimination of the Selection Committee.
- Business Plan Requirement: Applicants are still required to submit a business plan but will need to demonstrate how the requested funds will support their long-term success.
- Increased Support for Existing Businesses: Existing retailers and restauranteurs are now eligible for up to $5,000 in funding, which was previously only available for new businesses.
Program Eligibility
The revised Downtown Retail & Restaurant Grant Program is available to retailers and restaurants located on the first floor within the Downtown TIF District. The program is intended to assist new and existing businesses that are committed to improving their operations, enhancing their customer experience, and making a positive impact on the downtown district.
Program Funding & Budget
Grants are reimbursement-based, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. New businesses or businesses expanding in the downtown area can receive up to $10,000, while existing businesses may receive up to $5,000. The revised program, effective as of January 1, 2025, has a $30,000 budget for fiscal year 2025, funded through the Downtown TIF #2 Fund.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to City staff to learn more about the revised program and how it can support their business. A pre-application meeting is highly recommended to ensure the proposed services align with the program’s goals and eligibility requirements.
To schedule a meeting, please contact Kelley Chrisse at (630) 818-3331 or email kchrisse@westchicago.org.