Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA) Program
FAQ & Resources
The McKinley Park Development Council (MPDC) has secured $2.5 million for the 35th Street Commercial corridor’s small business. Funds of $1.8 million will go toward property improvements, beautification, marketing, entrepreneur education, and services, provided through the Department of Planning and Development’s new Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program.
Successful grant applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75% of total eligible project costs. The program will prioritize applications that show strong community support, clear benefit to the neighborhood, and demonstrated project readiness. Interested businesses and storefront owners can apply directly to the city for property improvement funds. MPDC is available to assist with applications and other business services covered by the grant.
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A list of documents needed to apply is in the application. Business incubators listed below can help create documents like business plans and budgets.
You can request a letter of support from MPDC at info@mpdcchicago.org.
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All applicants must be legal entities with the following documents in place. Businesses can apply for each requirement using links below, or ask for help from our business incubator partners (see below).
Form an entity
The most common entity for small business is an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation). C and S Corporations are also eligible.
Get an EIN
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Contact MPDC for help building your narrative about the project and how it fits into the corridor. We can also help you find contractors to bid on your job.
Email: info@mpdcchicago.org
Contact A4CB for questions about filling out the application itself and making sure your content meets requirements.
Email: granthelp@a4cb.org
Phone: (312) 275-3000
Business Incubators
Email: info@36business.org
Phone: 312-933-6556
Allies for Community Business (A4CB)
Email: granthelp@a4cb.org
Phone: (312) 275-3000
Phone:708-740-8914
Business training resources
Northeastern Illinois University Business Innovation and Growth Center
Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Website
Construction planning resources:
All contractors must be licensed and bonded in order to receive city funds. Write us at info@mpdcchicago.org for help finding contractors.
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ComEd has grants available to make energy efficiency improvements like lighting, HVAC, and insulation.
Write BusinessEE@ComEd.com to schedule your free energy efficiency assessment. This must be done prior to beginning construction in order to receive assistance.
There are no restrictions on combining ComEd assistance with city funds.
Businesses in the Archer/Western or 35th/Halsted TIFs (TIF map here) may be eligible for Small Business Investment Fund (SBIF) grants covering up to 90% of projects with a total cost up to $150,000.
SBIF applications are open annually, with a one month window per TIF.
35th/Halsted SBIF applications are open in May 2026.
Archer/Western SBIF applications are open in July 2026.
Businesses can only use SBIF once every 3 years.
Businesses may use both SBIF and CCSA, but one grant must be closed out before applying for the other, and each grant must cover a separate and distinct project. Ex: One grant funds facade work and the other funds interior work.