Furthering its mission to support Chicagoland’s economic backbone, the office of Mayor Brandon Johnson, together with the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), has issued a new Request for Proposal (RFP) pivotal to the future of local small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. With a dominant focus on helping these groups rebound from the prolonged adversities induced by COVID-19, a $21.5 million grant program aims to stabilize, sustain, and aid their financial recovery, as reported by the City of Chicago.
Recognizing that local commerce and community services are integral to the fabric of Chicago, Mayor Johnson expressed a determined commitment to not only safeguard but also to vivify their operations through substantial financial support. "Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of Chicago, weaving the fabric of our neighborhoods, driving our economy forward, and providing vital resources to our communities," he said, as stated by the City of Chicago. He additionally spoke of the RFP as a crucial step to secure an adept administrator for the grant program, designed to navigate and overcome the pandemic-induced challenges.
Aligning with Mayor Johnson’s statements, BACP Acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali underlined the city’s resolve to extend a lifeline that would enable local enterprises and nonprofits to rebuild and, importantly, flourish in the post-pandemic landscape. "The City of Chicago and BACP remain committed to providing post-pandemic support to small businesses and nonprofits," Capifali said, as per the official announcement.
Details of the RFP stipulate a deadline of September 6, for submissions, promptly by noon. Those looking to acquaint themselves further with the RFP, or who desire to actively participate, can do so by attending the optional, yet strongly recommended, pre-submittal conference scheduled for August 13. Interested parties may visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan for additional information and can view the RFP directly by searching for RFP #10385 on the city’s eProcurement website.
.jpg){kind=link}