14 Chicago Small Businesses Named NOF Grant Finalists

Fourteen small businesses and organizations across Chicago have been named finalists for the latest round of Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants, with nearly $1.9 million set to be awarded. The announcement came from Mayor Brandon Johnson, who emphasized the critical role of local entrepreneurs in strengthening city neighborhoods.

“On behalf of my administration, I am proud to support the local businesses and entrepreneurs who are driving the revitalization of our communities,” said Mayor Johnson. “The NOF grant program is a down payment on a safer, more affordable, and thriving future for all of Chicago. I applaud the grant recipients for taking this step and look forward to seeing them grow, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of community leaders.”

Individual grants range from $47,540 to $250,000 and will fund projects worth an estimated $2.8 million in total. Among the recipients are Wagner’s Bakery Inc., a Lower West Side establishment operating for over a century; the GCYC Food Sovereignty Hub in Greater Grand Crossing; and DLV Printing Service in Austin. Other recipients include restaurants, retailers, service providers, and cultural organizations throughout the West, Southwest, and South Side commercial corridors.

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD), led by Commissioner Ciere Boatright, selected the grantees from 59 applications submitted by May. Proposals were evaluated on project readiness and neighborhood impact.

“Each of these grants will contribute to commercial corridor vitality and complement nearby investments,” said Commissioner Boatright. “Most of these projects are blocks away from five to 10 other recent DPD grantees, which will help create a critical mass of improvements for long-term neighborhood growth.”

The NOF program is funded through fees generated from downtown construction projects, with 80 percent of proceeds directed to small businesses outside the downtown core. Grants reimburse up to 75 percent of eligible costs for construction or rehabilitation work, with additional support available for design or technical assistance.

Applications for NOF funding are accepted on a year-round basis. More information is available at chicago.gov/NOF.