Friday, June 23, 2023 | View in browser
 Countdown to Sidewalk Sale Bingo
The Main Dempster Mile invites you all down to countdown to Sidewalk Sale with Bingo on the Mile! From June 20 - July 20, Get a Bingo Card at any of the participating stores then start searching for numbers to fill up your card. Redeem for prizes at the Drag Bingo game during the PrideWalk Sale Kickoff Party.
 Wellness Wednesdays Continue
Come out to Independence Park every Wednesday until August 9 to support the wellness businesses of Central Street. This series of free classes will continue on Wed., June 28 with Pilates Central Wellness at 9 A.M. Check out the Central Street website for the full schedule.
 Thursday Night Market Returns
Downtown Evanston invites you all to join them on Thurs., July 6 for the Thursday Night Market. Attendees can experience live music, shop with over 30 vendors, and enjoy spirits. Learn more about the Thursday Night Market.
 Starlight Concert Series Continues
Sway to the sounds of summer on Tues., June 27 at Baker Park! This next Starlight Concert in the Park will feature The Dig 3 Big band playing blues music beginning at 7 p.m. Don't forget your chairs, blankets and snacks!
 2nd Annual Plein Air Festival
Evanston Made will host their Second Annual Plein Air Festival July 9-16. Plein Air Painters will descend on the city to compete for Best in Show with the grand finale on Sun., July 16 at Fountain Square in downtown Evanston. Learn more about the event!
 Small Business Growth Fund
The Small Business Growth fund supporting unique entrepreneurial efforts returns! The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) with funding from Etsy and Progressive, provides small business owners the capital they need to make their next move. To apply for a grant between $5,000 to $25,000, review the information on their website.
 Webinar: Music Licensing for Restaurants
The Illinois Restaurant Association invites all restaurants to an informative panel on Music Licensing for Restaurants. Join them on Thurs., June 29 at 10 A.M. and learn more about how the power of music can increase revenue and traffic to your business. Read more for more details.
 Minimum Wage Increase
On May 30, Cook County issued a notice to employees regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO). The ordinance is going into effect on July 1, 2023, with the minimum wage increases to $13.70 for non-tipped workers an $8.00 for tipped workers. The updated "Notice to Employees" and "Frequently Asked Questions" documents are available here.
Businesses in the News
 C&W Ice Cream Grand Opening
Congratulations to owners, Clarence and Wendy Williams, on the Grand Opening of C&W Ice Cream Parlor at 1903 Church. Stop by and see the new space and enjoy a summertime treat with the family!
 Experience Place LeTour
LeTour, 625 Davis St, proudly boasts the largest outdoor dining space from Evanston to Milwaukee. Their patio, referred to as "Place LeTour," can serve up to 150 people, with a capacity of up to 200 people, according to restaurant representatives. Enjoy outdoor dining and Learn more about the restaurant.
Upcoming Local Business Events
 Noir D'ebene Summer Gathering
Noir d’Ébène Chocolat et Pâtisserie, located at 1309 Chicago Ave, invites you all out to their Party Summer Camp for Adults on Mon., June 26 starting at 6 P.M. Place an order food or just come and enjoy the music. Learn more about the event.
 Theo Ubique Presents Passing Strange
Come down to Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, located at 721 Howard Street, to experience Passing Strange playing now through July 30. The show is loaded with soulful lyrics and overflowing with passion, the show takes us from Black middle-class America to Amsterdam, Berlin and beyond on a journey towards personal and artistic authenticity. Go to their website for more information and tickets.
City Initiatives
 Sustain Evanston Program Launch!
In honor of Earth Day, the City launched its reimagined Sustain Evanston Business Incentive Program on Sat., April 22. The program provides a funding tool to assist small business and commercial property owners in implementing sustainability measures that align with the goals of the City's Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP).
Grants of up to $25,000 will support sustainability-related projects, including, but not limited to waste management, energy, water, and green infrastructure. Applications will be open through August 31. Apply today!
 Submit your Events for our Economic Development Newsletter!
Are you a registered Evanston based business with an upcoming event? We'd like to help you promote it! We can add your event to our weekly newsletter. See the eligibility requirements for events below:
- Your business must be located in Evanston and registered. If you're not registered, complete your business registration application
- Submission must be an event. We don't promote sales or individual business advertisement
- Submission must include a flyer and website where interested residents can get more information
Send your submission to economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with "For Newsletter" in the subject and we will reach out if we have any questions about your event.
Do business with the City of Evanston
Interested in doing business with the City of Evanston? Visit our bids and proposals page to see current Bids, Request for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Contact the project Purchasing Specialist via email with questions pertaining to the project of interest. Specialist email contact information can be found in the Bid "Questions" or RFP/Q "Questions Regarding RFP/Q" section of the related document; or contact purchasing@cityofevanston.org.
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