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
Money Smart: Risk Management
Thursday, April 17th | 3:00-4:00PM
Wintrust Bank Uptown, 4800 N Sheridan Rd.
Join the Uptown Business Center and Wintrust Bank at Wintrust Bank Uptown for a free training as part of the Money Smart Program on Risk Management. Having a risk management plan is critical for small businesses. Learn the common warning signs for risks, how to identify threat areas, and form your business's risk management plan with this free workshop in partnership with Wintrust Bank.
Search Engine Optimization 101
Monday, May 12th | 1:00-2:30PM
Uptown Branch, 929 W. Buena Ave.
Join SEO Design Chicago for a presentation on digital marketing for your small business. Learn how to boost your customer acquisition and increase website traffic by optimizing Local SEO to strengthen your brand and grow your business! This event includes a beginner-friendly overview and will also leave plenty of time for your business-specific questions.
Bookkeeping 102: Beyond Basics for Business Owners
Wednesday, May 28th | 3:00-4:30PM
Uptown Business Center, 4619 N Broadway
Learn even more digital bookkeeping basics for your small business! Whether you've attended one of our previous Bookkeeping 101 events or are looking to dive deeper into your small business's bookkeeping, this event is for you. Sarah Gluckstein of Lucky Stone Bookkeeping will cover various aspects of digital bookkeeping, including:
- Double Entry Bookkeeping & The Accounting Equation
- QuickBooks Online: Pay and Get Paid
- QuickBooks Online: Journal Entries
- More Helpful Reports
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST NEWSLETTERS!
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:
