City accepting applications for business investment grants

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Starting Monday, the city of Chicago is accepting applications for its latest round of grants investing in the South and West sides.

Businesses, non-profits, and cultural institutions looking for help with construction projects can apply for grants from the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

The Department of Planning and Development are live-streaming a handful of information sessions in English and Spanish this month.

It’s part of an ongoing effort to revitalize underserved neighborhoods.

In the latest round, the NOF awarded grants to 30 organizations for improvements, including renovations for a bookstore in West Roseland, construction of a Bronzeville restaurant specializing in chicken wings, and building a new thrift store in Chicago Lawn.

The webinars will outline qualifications for projects and what commercial corridors are eligible.

Grants of up to $250,000 can be used to acquire land, enhance security, or pay architectural fees. Business owners or heads of non-profits and cultural institutions must provide the rest of the funding, but can qualify for more funds by living in the area or hiring people who do.