Mayor Brandon Johnson Announces Request for Proposal for South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program. This program seeks to partner with a local community and economic development organization to bring new life to vacant storefronts and provide vital support to small businesses in the South Lawndale community, particularly along the 26th Street Commercial Corridor. For program details, visit Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.

"Investments like this are at the center of my administration's commitment to supporting to small businesses and growing our commercial corridors into thriving community hubs," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Through this RFP, we will have a community-level partner organization leading the way to inspire entrepreneurship and create jobs in one of the city's most well-known commercial corridors. The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program will fill storefronts and contribute to a safer and stronger South Lawndale neighborhood."

The selected organization will be responsible for identifying vacant storefronts, negotiating leases, and facilitating new retail businesses or community markets. Additionally, the delegate agency will provide comprehensive technical assistance to participating small businesses, including support in marketing, business development, and strategic planning. This model is designed to provide both immediate exposure and long-term sustainability for local entrepreneurs.

"The South Lawndale Small Business Storefront Activation Program is a direct investment in the resilience and future of our commercial corridors," said BACP Commissioner Ivan J. Capifali. "By empowering a local community partner, we can tailor support to the specific needs of South Lawndale, helping businesses to launch, expand, and contribute to a vibrant local economy."

This initiative is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). One award, up to $250,000, will be granted through this RFP. The anticipated contract term is up to 14 months, with activations expected to begin as early as January 2026.

Requests for Proposal submissions must be completed by October 8th, 2025, before 12:00 PM CDT (NOON). An optional virtual pre-submittal conference will be held on September 19th, 2025, at 10:00AM. to clarify the RFP process and scope of services.

For information about this RFP and to register for the pre-submittal conference, please visit the City's eProcurement website at https://http://www.cityofchicago.org/eProcurement and search for RFP #57044.

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