Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program
CBCAC is a Corridor Lead for the City of Chicago's Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation program under the Department of Planning and Development, administering grants along Halsted and Morgan in Bridgeport.
We are working with Greater Bridgeport and South Loop Chamber of Commerce to provide a holistic suite of technical assistance to businesses in the corridors.
Grant Basics
Grant Covers up to 75% of:
permanent buildout: flooring, electrical, HVAC, ADA upgrades, and facade improvements.
Required Match
The remaining 25% must be covered by the applicant - the business owner, landlord, or a combination of both.
Who can apply?
Small businesses and property owners with a storefront located within the corridor.
Corridor Boundaries
S Halsted St from 32nd - 34th Pl.
S Morgan St from 31st - 35th St.
Application Support & Resources
Applications are submitted online through the Submittable platform. Download the application questions in your preferred language to prepare before you apply. Interested applicants should contact CBCAC or GBSL before submitting an application.
English
Application questions (PDF)
中文
項目申請須知 (PDF)
Español
Preguntas de solicitud (PDF)
Contacts
Delegate Agency
Coalition for A Better Chinese American Community
(872) 297-5864
Greater Bridgeport and South Loop Chamber of Commerce
Frequently Asked Questions
Basics and Eligibility
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To stabilize and revitalize neighborhood business districts by reducing vacancy, increasing foot traffic, and supporting small business growth in priority corridors.
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Any current or prospective business owner or commercial property owner interested in making improvements to a space within the approved corridor boundaries. Specifically:
Small business owners (new or existing)
Property owners leasing to an eligible business tenant
Nonprofits activating commercial space with an economic impact component
Grants are intended to support active-use spaces that increase retail activity and foot traffic along the corridor.
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Yes. Both new and existing businesses are eligible if they demonstrate a viable concept and readiness to occupy the space. Businesses less than 1 year old should be prepared to provide a strategic plan outlining a coherent strategy for sustainability and growth.
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The following business types are ineligible for a CCSA Small Business Grant:
National chain and franchise businesses
Branch banks
Day labor employment agencies
Currency exchanges, payday, and title secured loan stores
Pawn shops and fortune telling services
Liquor stores, taverns, bars (unless open and operated by current owners for at least two years)
Hotels and motels
Adult uses and private or not-for-profit social clubs
Not-for-profit organizations with a national affiliation
Start-up banquet halls and track wagering facilities
K-12 schools, gas stations, firearms dealers and ranges
Places of worship
Smoke shops, cigar lounges, and tobacco dealers
Residential storage warehouses, trailer-storage yards, junk yards
DPD reserves the right to assess business eligibility on a case-by-case basis if adequate justification is presented.
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Not always at initial submission. However, applicants with site control - a signed lease, letter of intent, or ownership - are significantly more competitive. You must demonstrate either ownership of the property or permission from the property owner to make proposed improvements.tion
Funding and Costs
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The grant covers up to 75% of eligible project costs. The remaining minimum 25% must be covered by the applicant - the business owner (tenant), the property owner (landlord), or a combination of both. This responsibility should be clearly defined and documented at the time of application.
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Eligible project types include:
Renovation of vacant commercial spaces to attract new small business tenants
Renovation of commercial spaces with existing small business tenants
Facade improvements or other improvements for curb appeal or to improve function
Specific eligible costs include permanent buildout (walls, flooring, electrical, plumbing), ADA compliance upgrades, HVAC systems, facade improvements, and code compliance work.
Not eligible: movable equipment, inventory, and operating expenses such as rent, payroll, or utilities. Note that previously completed work cannot be reimbursed using CCSA grant funds.
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Yes, acquisition is an allowable expense up to 25% of project costs if selected for a grant. However, because funding is limited, applicants should be prepared to provide a strong justification for why acquisition is required and how the project will deliver high impact on the corridor.
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Funding is typically reimbursable and tied to completed work or project milestones. All work must comply with City of Chicago permitting and zoning requirements before construction begins. Timelines for project completion are defined in the grant agreement.
Application Process
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Applications are submitted online through the Submittable platform. CCSA grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly evaluation deadlines. The next submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, August 21.
Visit chicago.gov/storefront-activation for full program details.
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Yes, CCSA Small Business Grants are competitive. Due to limited funding, priority is given to applications that show strong community support and benefit, as well as demonstrated project readiness. Strong applications will show:
Financial readiness - detailed cost estimates, a realistic budget, and proof of funding to cover at least 25% of project costs
Project feasibility - qualified project professionals, relevant design documents, and completed predevelopment work
Business readiness - tax documents showing good financial standing, or a strategic sustainability plan for newer businesses
Community impact - descriptions of proposed impact, plus letters of support from community members, elected officials, and/or CCSA Corridor Leads
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Yes. Application materials are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Download the application questions in your preferred language using the links in the Application Support section above, or contact DishRoulette Kitchen for assistance.
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Yes - CBCAC is here to help. We provide free support with application review, budget scoping, and submission guidance at no cost to you. Email us at claytonxu@cbcacchicago.org or call/text us at (872) 297-5864.
For program-level questions, you can also contact the CCSA program administrator, Allies for Community Business, at granthelp@a4cb.org or (312) 275-3000.