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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced that the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Latinos Progresando, has been awarded the contract to lead the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program. The program will support the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors by recruiting and retaining businesses through a variety of pop-up shops and one-on-one technical assistance.

“Investments like this are at the center of my administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses and growing our commercial corridors into thriving community hubs,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “A community-level partner organization will inspire entrepreneurship and create jobs in one of our city’s most well-known commercial corridors. The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program will help activate vacant storefronts, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the corridor as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.”

“The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program reflects our commitment to strengthening neighborhood business districts,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “By selecting trusted local partners to lead this work, we are ensuring entrepreneurs receive the tailored support and resources needed to grow their business and contribute to a thriving commercial corridor.”

The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, with support from Latinos Progresando, will identify move-in ready vacant spaces, negotiate short-term leases with landlords, and launch a variety of pop-up shops. To ensure the sustainability of these new ventures, participating businesses will receive one-on-one coaching through the Little Village Chamber's "De la Mano" program. This technical assistance includes business planning and financial management, marketing and promotion campaigns, and assistance in securing long-term leases after the program ends.

“The Storefront Activation Program allows the Little Village Chamber of Commerce to bring new energy and opportunity to the 26th Street commercial corridor,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. “By activating storefront spaces, we are giving entrepreneurs an affordable opportunity to test their concepts, build a customer base, and prepare for long-term brick-and-mortar success. This investment ensures that growth, visibility, and opportunity extend throughout our community while strengthening our local business ecosystem.”

"Recently, certain neighborhoods have seen more doors closed than doors opened,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO of Latinos Progresando. “This program changes that by investing directly in the heartbeat of Chicago: our small business owners. By removing the traditional barriers to entry for new businesses, we are rapidly revitalizing our streets, increasing foot traffic, and inviting residents back to their local high streets to support local businesses."

This initiative, funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), awarded $250,000 to the partner organizations to revitalize the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors.