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The Neighborhood Market Grant Program is funded through the
American Rescue Plan Act and the nonprofit Allies for Community
Business, with one-time grants of $10,000 offered to support
small food business owners and farmers market operators.
Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
Commissioner Ivan Capifali said not every neighborhood has the
same access to fresh food.
“This program is designed to help address the inequity by
directing resources toward businesses and markets,” Capifali
said during an announcement in the East Garfield Park
neighborhood on Friday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the goal is to attract small, local
retailers as well as larger chains.
“This is just the approach that I believe is so critical in this
moment, that businesses recognize that my administration is
committed to not just incentivizing fresh grocery to participate
in our economy, but to put some skin in the game,” the mayor
said.
Earlier in the week, Johnson said the city might use its
remaining ARPA funds to close its budget deficit for the current
fiscal year.
In September 2023, Johnson announced a partnership with the
Economic Security Project, with the intention of opening a
city-owned grocery store.
A reporter asked the mayor about those plans on Friday.
“The brick and mortar standup was one, yes, that we did
contemplate, but after further review and spending time in the
community, there are a number of people who are already doing
this work,” Johnson said.
The mayor said the grant program offers a broader approach.
“It reaches more people when we can invest in the entrepreneur
spirit,” Johnson said.
The grants will be provided to “small retail food businesses
operating a physical storefront in priority geographies.”
The deadline to apply for the grants is Sept. 25, 2027.
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