Wednesday, November 25, 2020 | View in browser
News and Events
 Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
The Economic Development staff would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. While the holiday may look a little different this year, there is still much to be grateful for. We are grateful for all the unique and diverse businesses that make Evanston so awesome!
Please make sure to celebrate safely this Thanksgiving by limiting in-home gatherings to household members only and vigilantly following CDC and IDPH guidelines.
 Take the pledge to support Evanston restaurants!
Evanston is home to nearly 200 restaurants and we know that is just one of the reasons Evanston is such a great walkable community. We also know that after this crisis is over, you will want your favorite restaurants and cafes to still be here to serve you, but that will take all of us doing our part now to ensure they remain open to greet us when better days return.
Take the Evanston Takeout Pledge and support a restaurant every week until we are back to normal! And, it gives you a break from grocery shopping and cooking!
Here are some ways to take the pledge:
- Order a different type of cuisine or from a new restaurant each week
- Celebrate a special occasion with a local restaurant
- Make your holidays easy and festive by letting a local restaurant help with the cooking
- Purchase gift cards for later use
Take the pledge today and together we can save our restaurants! Help spread the word and share your experience on Support Evanston Restaurants.
 Shop local this holiday season!
As the holiday shopping season begins, and with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, remember that Evanston businesses need your support during COVID-19. Our small businesses are essential to our community so now is the time to buy local and invest in keeping Evanston awesome!
Below are some ways in which you can support your local businesses:
- Buy local online
- Buy a gift card
- Take virtual classes
- Show some love on social media
- Support their fundraisers
- When ordering take out, pay it forward
To make your shopping experience a little easier, look for the "Keep Calm & Shop Evanston" and "Keep Calm & Carry Out" 15 minute parking signs for curbside pick-up or receive parking vouchers from participating businesses. The voucher can be used for free two-hour parking at City meters and surface lots on the Park Evanston mobile app.
 Pick up your Silver Lining passbook November 28
Shop unique and shop safe this holiday season. Beginning on November 28, the Silver Lining Passbook with be available filled with special offers from local businesses. When you spend a minimum of $100 at local shops, you'll be eligible for a giveaway including Downtown Evanston's annual holiday mug.
Find more information at downtownevanston.org/silverlining.
 Purchase anything from a local business' online store on Cider Monday (November 30) and get a free cider courtesy of the Main-Dempster Mile! Just show your receipt at the following locations to get your cider:
Feel free to stop by both cider locations and better yet, shop twice!
Winter weather preparedness
The Economic Development Division would like to remind businesses and residents to keep sidewalks clear during the snow season.
Property owners and occupants are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after any accumulation of snow or ice; paths must be at least 36 inches wide. Landlords are responsible for keeping sidewalks, parking lots and all common areas, including open stairwells, free from hazardous conditions. The City does not clear snow from sidewalks in business districts.
Additional information can be found on the City's website. Thanks for working together to keep Evanston sidewalks safe and accessible during the cold weather.
New Comast RISE program to help small business
The new Comcast RISE initiative is designed to strengthen small independent Black and underrepresented group-owned businesses hit hard by COVID-19 by providing grants, marketing and technology upgrades (including media campaigns and connectivity), computer and voice equipment, and free marketing insights. Learn more about the resources offered through this program here.
ComEd Small Business Assistance Program
The Small Business Assistance Program provides eligible small business customers, whose service has not been disconnected, with a one-time grant equal to 30% of their total ComEd balance (up to $1,000) that will be applied to the past due balance and the remaining balance can be spread over a payment plan of up to six months.
BeyGOOD Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund
BeyGOOD is on a mission to spread hope. The goal is to provide a life line for small businesses at the epicenter of dual pandemics. BeyGood has teamed up with the NAACP to expand economic opportunity by awarding grants of $10,000 on the 15th of each month through the end of 2020.
Support Latino Business Impact Fund
Support Latino Business will provide grants ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to help support our Latino Business community who have been affected by COVID. To apply, you must register in the Latino Business free directory. Once you're registered, Support Latino Business will send information about the application process.
Business Interruption Grant (BIG) applications open
The second round of the Business Interruption Grants (BIG) Program is now open, offering $220 million in financial assistance for small businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic.
LEND offering zero interest small business loans
Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND), a student-run, microfinance organization, is providing zero percent interest loans to small businesses in Evanston. Visit their website for the application and to learn more about their lending process.
North Suburban Cook County Job Center
North Suburban Cook County Job Center can help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering services and resources to connect you with opportunities in a variety of careers. Visit their website to learn more about programs and resources available.
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