Friday, February 23, 2024 | View in browser
 The City is offering four grant programs in 2024 to help assist small businesses. Below you will find a brief synopsis for each program. All applications are open. Apply today!
- The new Small Business Recovery Program is designed to protect Evanston’s small business economy and aid in their recovery from the sustained negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
- The City has relaunched its Sustain Evanston Program, a funding initiative designed to support small businesses in implementing sustainable practices that align with the City's Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP).
- The Storefront Modernization Program is a funding tool to assist small business owners improve the appearance and functionality of commercial buildings located in the city's business districts.
- The Entrepreneurship Support Program is intended to assist in the growth of jobs in Evanston through entrepreneurship, helping residents and local business owners to create jobs by starting and retaining sustainable small businesses.
 Close out Black History Month with a film, panel discussion, and festive celebration
Black History Month Celebration. Join Parks & Recreation on Sat., Feb. 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., for a night of celebration at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, in honor of Black History Month.
Matinee Movie: Summer of Soul. Head to the Evanston Public Library on Sat., Feb. 24, at 3 p.m., to watch and discuss Questlove’s documentary celebrating the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. More info.
Mental Health in Black Communities: A Panel Discussion. Experts will discuss the intersection of shared experience, inequities, and mental health access on Tues., Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Robert Crown Branch Library. Register to attend.
 E-Town Innovations Grant Now Open
Evanston Community Foundation announces their E-Town Innovation Grant opportunity! This grant is up to $20,000 and looks for Evanston entities such as support businesses with a charitable project. It is their priority to fund applications that look to advance Racial Equity in the Evanston community. Learn more and apply.
 S'mores on the Square
Downtown Evanston and the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Department invite all families downtown to kickoff S'mores on the Square this weekend! The March edition of this family friendly gathering kicks off on Sat., March 9! Register for this free event today.
Downtown Evanston will provide attendees with s’mores kits to create perfect golden-brown marshmallows over the fire pits provided by Evanston Parks & Recreation.
Businesses in the News
 Celebrate these Black Owned Businesses!
As Black History Month draws to a close, support some of these great black owned businesses in Evanston. Read more
 West Town Bakery Now Open!
West Town Bakery and OKAY Cannabis, located at 100 Chicago Ave, is officially open and held it's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thurs., Feb. 15. Stop by and support this new business!
Upcoming Local Events
 Rex's Place, located at 2120 Ashland Ave, invites you all to stop by and celebrate their milestone achievement with their Grand Re-Opening on Friday, March 1!
City Initiatives
 The City of Evanston wants your input in the Envision Evanston 2045 Comprehensive Plan! Watch the video or visit the website to see future meetings, get email/text updates, and read past plans! Questions can be sent via email to EnvisionEvanston2045@cityofevanston.org.
 Income Restricted Housing for Rent
The City's Inclusionary Housing program offers access to affordable
apartments in new developments at a wide income range, from $37,891
to $88,300. One and two-bedroom units are currently available for
households earning between $49,550 and $88,250.
To apply, submit a pre-application at cpahousing.org/inclusionary-app or call CPAH at 847-263-7478, ext. 28.
 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
- Submissions must be events. We don't promote sales or individual business advertisement
- Submissions must include a flyer and website where interested residents can get more information
Send your submissions to economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with "For Newsletter" in the subject and we will reach out if we have any questions.
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 for 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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