In the midst of ongoing efforts to spur economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has stepped up to initiate an expansion of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program. According to a press release from the City of Chicago, Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking community and economic development organizations to help activate vacant storefronts in Chicago's myriad neighborhoods.
As brick-and-mortar businesses struggle to regain footing in the wake of the pandemic, the Small Business Storefront Activation Program endeavors to forge connections between property owners and local entrepreneurs. In doing so, this initiative could lead to a revitalization of commercial corridors across the city and provide timely support to small businesses seeking growth in the evolving economic climate.
The expansion of this program arrives in response to the increased vacancy rates plaguing Chicago's commercial corridors after a period of dramatically reduced economic activity. During this particularly challenging time for small businesses that rely on foot traffic, the Small Business Storefront Activation Program offers a compelling opportunity for grassroots growth.
The RFP outlines responsibilities for the selected grantees, who will partner with property owners to negotiate short-term leases and secure local small businesses for storefront activation. This process involves managing preparation and operations for such spaces, as well as offering ongoing support to small businesses through guidance, mentorship, and assistance with various storefront management tasks. The ultimate goal of this expansion is to engage citizens in shopping locally and further strengthen the backbone of Chicago's economy through the small businesses that contribute so heavily to its prosperity.
This RFP and the subsequent expansion of the Small Business Storefront Activation Program come as part of the larger strategic vision of the Chicago Recovery Plan, which seeks to leverage federal funding to support and sustain equitable economic recovery across the city. The Chicago Recovery Plan prioritizes investment in communities and industries that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and its subsequent economic downsides.
With a submission deadline of October 13, 2023, and an optional pre-submittal conference scheduled for October 3, 2023, potential grantees are encouraged to learn more via the City's eProcurement website and search for RFP #9649. This initiative stands as a poignant reminder of the collective power of localized efforts amidst the challenges engendered by this unprecedented period we are traversing.
