Business Development Corner
Active Grants
The City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) promotes economic development by providing small businesses with reimbursable grants for permanent building improvement costs. SBIF grants use local Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue to reimburse you for the pre-approved repair or rehab of your business facilities or adjacent land acquisition. SomerCor is the program administrator contracted by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
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The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund seeks to leverage funds generated by developments in the loop to spur on investments in the South and West Sides.
If your vision for business coincides with a revitalization of commercial corridors in the South and the West sides the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund is the program for you. Small prizes up to $250,000 large prizes up to 50%% of total project cost.
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NOW CASTING black entrepreneurs for a chance to win SEED MONEY and mentorship in a new unscripted competition show from BET media group, and Kevin Hart’s heartbeat productions. If you are a black entrepreneur, and your Business is innovative, unique, cutting edge, ground-breaking, disruptive, original, ingenious, new, modern, contemporary, novel, imaginative
On the application say you heard about the show from KEICON
Workshops
INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING
This webinar provides businesses with an introduction to government contracting and includes:
Overview of how agencies buy and sell goods and services
Market research to identify contract opportunities
The role of diverse certifications
Introduction to buying plans
Next steps to get started
Date & Time: September 13, 2023, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Grant Preparation 101 - Live Online Seminar
Are you interested in applying for state or federal grants? Did you know there is what is known as a "pre-award" process? Learn how to register your business and file all of the pre-award documentation so that you are ready when those great grant opportunities are announced. While this presentation will focus on Illinois state grants, much of the registration requirements are the same for Federal grants and government contracting
Date & Time: September 27, 2023, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
Presented by the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Date & Time: September 6th, 2023, 3:00 PM
Online with OMEE - Overview of financial resources for small businesses
Is access to financial capital important for your business?
The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) Business Development Managers invite you to an online conversation that's open to all minorities ((racial/ethnic), women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQIA+) and any other marginalized groups-owned businesses. Team OMEE will provide you with the latest updates on financial resources like federal and state programs, information about other opportunities, and answer any questions you may have about your business. We'll take questions in English and Spanish.
Date & Time: September 6th, 2023, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
90-Day Coaching
The Action Plan is a tool that provides CBA graduates with concrete and practical steps that every business needs to be successful. Coaching is one-on-one and the coaches meet with the entrepreneurs twice a month over a three-month period to drive business results. Focus on your goals and how to reach them with a 90-day plan.
Get Business Strategy Help
Special Events
Sunshine Enterprises is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and we want to provide our entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their business. In the spirit of this, we are offering entrepreneurs vending grants to sell and market their products/ services at the Black Women’s Expo 2023!
Sunshine's annual Pitch Competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in our network to get their products and business concepts in front of industry leaders. Each year a new entrepreneur takes home prizes to advance their business with another innovative business concept. Look below to check out the most recent Shark Tank competition and to learn more about the competition overall.
