Connect with the Uptown Business Center’s Free Business Services for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses!
The Uptown Business Center (UBC) is managed by Uptown United, and supports new and existing business owners and entrepreneurs within the East-West boundaries of Lake Shore Drive to the Chicago River, and North-South boundaries of Lincoln Park to Rogers Park. Whether you’re in the idea stage of your business or a long-standing business owner, the UBC provides a suite of free business services!
Sign up for a free UBC Business Consultation today for a wide range of free services including:
- Licensing Assistance: choosing and applying for the best license for your business, meeting zoning requirements, securing a liquor license, and more.
- Permitting Assistance: applying for and renewing sidewalk cafes, sign permits etc.
- Funding Resources: locating traditional and non-traditional financial resources including webinars, connections to local institutions, and the latest local and federal grant/loan information.
- Sector-Specific Support: industry events, trainings, webinars, networking opportunities.
- Digital Marketing Assistance: digital storytelling, social media planning, content creation, google business profile development, and more.
- Connecting with your local Chamber of Commerce for additional support in marketing, neighborhood events, networking, and more.
Consultations are provided virtually, by phone, or in person based on your preference. Learn more about how the UBC can support you by signing up for a free UBC Business Consultation, emailing ubc@exploreuptown.org, or calling 773-878-1064.
Upcoming Business Resource Events
Preparing for a Small Business Loan with Wintrust Bank
Thursday, June 26th | 3:00-4:00PM
Uptown Business Center, 4619 N Broadway
Join the Uptown Business Center and Wintrust Bank to prepare for a small business loan! This training will cover tips and tricks for small businesses preparing to apply for a loan:
- What will the process look like?
- What planning should you do?
- What documentation is needed before application?
SBIF 101
Wednesday, July 2nd | 1:00-2:00PM
Wintrust Bank Uptown, 4800 N Sheridan
Secure funding for permanent building improvements and repairs for your small business! Learn about SBIF in upcoming TIF districts, including Lawrence/Broadway (July '25) and Hollywood/Sheridan (Dec '25)! A presentation will be provided by SomerCor, SBIF Grant Administrator and this session is hosted at Wintrust Bank.
Current Grant Opportunities
Community Development Grants - Small and Medium
Applications Open Until 11:59PM August 15, 2025
Receive up to $250,000 (small) or $5 million (medium) for construction or renovation costs for your business. Grants support local commercial and light manufacturing projects. Apply here.
Eligibility:
- Proposed projects must be revenue-generating
- Projects must comprise the following uses
- Commercial (office, retail)
- Light industrial
- Mixed-use residential (residential costs cannot exceed 25% of the total grant amount and must be part of a larger building improvement, such as HVAC/plumbing)
- Priority is given to projects with strong local impacts that leverage local talents, capacities and institutions and contribute to community vitality.
Additional Information:
- Small Grant FAQ
- Medium Grant FAQ
- Small Grant Informational Webinar
- Medium and Large Grant Information Session
Note that this is a reimbursement grant. Eligible costs include pre-development, new construction and renovations. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, community developers, and entrepreneurs. Apply now.
The Awesome Foundation
Applications Are Reviewed and Rewarded on a Rolling Basis
The Awesome Foundation awards $1,000 grants each month to individuals and groups for various projects - everyone is eligible to apply! With 84 independently run chapters, members contribute to a micro-funding pool supporting these grants. Apply Now.
LISC Black Restaurant Fund
Rolling Application Window
Local Initiatives Support Collaboration (LISC) and UberEats are partnering to provide Black-owned restaurants and restaurants serving the Black community with growth capital. Growth capital is a long-term investment tool that is only paid back once the business reaches success. Learn more and submit an inquiry here.
Eligibility:
- Black-owned restaurants or restaurants serving the Black community
- Must earn an annual revenue between $250,000 and $3,000,000
- In operation for at least two years
- Active UberEats partner
- Located in an economically disadvantaged community
Growth capital is granted on a rolling basis. Complete the intake form here.
Wish Local Empowerment Program
Rolling Application Window
Black-owned businesses can apply for $500-$2,000 grants to support their existing brick-and-mortar businesses. Apply Now.
Eligibility:
- Black-owned business
- 18+ years of age
- 20 or fewer employees
- Brick-and-mortar shop within the United States
- Store earns an average annual revenue under $1M
This is a rolling application. Learn more an apply at wish.com/local/empowerment. Apply Here.
UBC Resources
These presentations and resource packets cover small business resources and information presented at UBC events. Sign up for a free UBC Business Consultation today to learn about other resources for your businesses and to receive personalized support!
Uptown Business Center Partners
In total, there are 8 community Chicago Business Centers located throughout the city. Services are free. Visit chicago.gov/cbc or click here for more information. The UBC provides assistance with licensing, permitting, and additional specialized business services in collaboration with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), local Chambers, and community partners.
Within the map of Lake Shore Drive to the Chicago River, and North-South boundaries of Lincoln Park to Rogers Park, the Uptown Business Center works collaboratively with the following partners:
