Is your storefront on W 18th Street?

The CCSA Program is the comprehensive effort by DPD and its partners to promote sustainable economic vitality in select commercial corridors targeting historically disinvested communities. Through CCSA, the City of Chicago is investing $30.5 million across 12 commercial corridors over 3 years. It includes funding for Corridor Leads' personnel costs, corridor-specific technical assistance teams, and a program administrator (Allies for Community Business) to facilitate end-to-end program management.

CCSA Small Business Grants are the financial vehicle for capital improvements to commercial spaces within each corridor. Business and commercial property owners along selected corridors are invited to apply. If awarded, the grant covers up to 75% of eligible construction costs for property improvements in line with CCSA programmatic and corridor-wide goals.

To stabilize and revitalize neighborhood business districts by reducing vacancy, increasing foot traffic, and supporting small business growth in priority corridors.

DishRoulette Kitchen is the designated delegate agency and Corridor Lead for the W 18th Street between S Ashland Ave and S Morgan St in Pilsen (Lower West Side community area). CCSA Small Business Grants through DRK are only available to businesses and properties within the approved boundaries of this corridor. Use the eligibility checker to check your address.

Businesses and property owners along the approved corridor may apply, including 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

Applicants must be in good standing with the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. Grants are intended to support active-use spaces that increase retail activity and foot traffic along the corridor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eligible project types include:

• Renovation of vacant commercial spaces to attract new small business tenants
• Renovation of commercial spaces with existing small business tenants
• Façade improvements or other improvements for curb appeal or to improve function

Eligible costs include permanent buildout (walls, flooring, electrical, plumbing), ADA compliance upgrades, HVAC systems, façade improvements, and code compliance work.

Not eligible: movable equipment, inventory, and operating expenses such as rent, payroll, or utilities. Previously completed work cannot be reimbursed using CCSA grant funds.

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.

Funding is reimbursement-based and tied to completed work or project milestones. Do not begin construction or purchase project materials before written approval or a signed grant agreement unless the program administrator confirms that the expense is allowable. 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.

Applications are submitted online through the Submittable platform. CCSA grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis with grants awarded quarterly until funds are fully dispersed.

Visit chicago.gov/storefront-activation for full program details, or apply on Submittable.

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

Yes. Application materials are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Download the application questions in your preferred language in the Apply or Get Help section, or contact DishRoulette Kitchen for assistance.

Yes. DRK provides free support with eligibility, project scoping, budgets, contractor coordination, permitting and licensing navigation, application preparation, and submission guidance. Book a free 1:1 consultation to get started, or email us at contact@dishroulettekitchen.com.

For program-level questions, you can also contact the CCSA program administrator, Allies for Community Business, at granthelp@a4cb.org or (312) 275-3000.