CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced that the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Latinos Progresando, has been awarded the contract to lead the Small Business Store Activation Program in South Lawndale. The initiative will support the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors by attracting and retaining businesses through pop-up shops and personalized technical assistance.
“Investments like this are central to my administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses and transforming our commercial corridors into thriving community hubs,” said Mayor Johnson. “A community-based partner organization will spur entrepreneurship and create jobs in one of our city’s most well-known commercial corridors. The South Lawndale Store Activation Program will help fill vacant storefronts, support local entrepreneurs, and strengthen the corridor as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.”
“The South Lawndale Retail Activation Program reflects our commitment to strengthening neighborhood business districts,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “By selecting trusted local partners to lead this effort, we ensure that entrepreneurs receive the support and resources they need to grow their businesses and contribute to a thriving commercial corridor.”
The Little Village Chamber of Commerce, with support from Latinos Progresando, will identify vacant storefronts ready for occupancy, negotiate short-term leases with landlords, and launch several pop-up shops. To ensure the sustainability of the new businesses, participating companies will receive one-on-one mentoring through the chamber’s “De la Mano” program. This technical assistance will include business planning and financial management, marketing and promotional campaigns, and support in securing long-term leases after the program concludes.
“This program allows us to bring new energy and opportunities to the 26th Street retail corridor,” said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. “By activating these spaces, we offer entrepreneurs an accessible opportunity to test their business ideas, build a customer base, and prepare to open permanent establishments. This investment ensures that growth, visibility, and opportunities spread throughout our community while strengthening the local business ecosystem.”
For his part, Luis Gutiérrez, executive director of Latinos Progresando, noted that in recent times some neighborhoods have seen more businesses close than open.
“This program seeks to change that reality by investing directly in the economic heart of Chicago: small businesses. By removing traditional barriers to starting a business, we are revitalizing our streets, increasing foot traffic, and encouraging residents to return to local commercial areas to support businesses in their community,” said Director Gutierrez.
The initiative is funded by the Chicago Road to Recovery Plan, supported by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which awarded $250,000 to partner organizations to revitalize the 26th Street and Cermak Road commercial corridors.
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