Friday, March 15, 2024 | View in browser
 Celebrate Women's History Month!
With Women's History month in full swing, be sure to stop by any of our business districts and support a women-owned business. Browse through the lists provided by our business districts below:
 Business Registration Renewals Due April 1
2024 Business Registration Renewals are due April 1, 2024. All for-profit businesses with a brick and mortar location in Evanston, including those licensed by the state (i.e., law offices, medical offices, beauty salons, etc.), are required to renew their registration annually. Business Registration renewals will be valid through March 31, 2025.
- Look up your Business Registration Number by viewing the Business Registration Number list.
- Pay your annual Business Registration renewal fee of $75 online at:
http://www.cityofevanston.org/businesslicensepayments.
- After you submit payment, you may obtain a Business Registration confirmation certificate through this certification link.
- If you have had any recent changes to your business information please complete this form.
- If you are no longer an operating business in Evanston, email us with the name of the business, address and Business Registration Number.
For any other questions, please email the Economic Development Division at economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org.
 Small Business Growth and Recovery Grant Deadline is April 15
The City of Evanston is excited to announce additional funding for the Small Business Recovery Program, a new grant program launched in February, 2024, to help small businesses recover from the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.
The Small Business Recovery Program offers grants of up to $25,000 to assist business owners with facade improvements, renovations, tools, equipment, and other eligible expenses to support the growth and sustainability of Evanston’s small businesses. Applications will be accepted through Monday, April 15, 2024.
Applicants will be notified after the review period ends. Please email economicdevelopment@cityofevanston.org with any questions.
 Webinar Series: Funding Your Small Business With Advantage Illinois
The Illinois Restaurant Association invites you to join their webinar, in partnership with the Cook County Small Business Source and panelists from Wintrust to hear how to reap the benefits of the Advantage Illinois program for small businesses on Wed., Mar 20, at 10:00 A.M. Register today!
Evanston Arts Council Seeks Applicants for Annual Cultural Fund Grant
As a part of the Evanston Arts Council's Cultural Fund Grant program, non-profits and community organizations are invited to apply for up to $6,000 to support specific cultural programs and/or general operations of their arts organization. The application deadline is Monday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Artists from diverse artistic disciplines and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The goal is to demonstrate the spirit of unity within the Evanston community through the arts.
A recording of the virtual session will be made available on the website. Additional details, grant guidelines, and the online application can be found at cityofevanston.org/culturalfund. For more information, please email artscouncil@cityofevanston.org, call/text 847-448-4311, or simply dial 311 in Evanston.
Businesses in the News
 Credit: Evan Girard
Support Women-Owned Businesses in Evanston
The City has several great businesses owned by women! Check out this article that highlights some of the owners that exist in Evanston. Read more about these dynamic women!
Upcoming Local Events
 With our new Enjoy Evanston website, you can submit your local events for the community to support. Our events submitted for the rest of March are listed below. Add your event today!
 Join Chicago Ballet Arts in celebrating its students at a special fundraising event, the CBA Spring Fling! This special fundraiser is on Sun., April 7 from 2-5 pm. Funds raised will go towards supporting our programs and commitment to live music. Go to https://givebutter.com/c/cba-springfling for more information.
City Initiatives
 Economic Development Division Grant Programs
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.
 So many ways to share your voice in March/April
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Survey: It's quick and easy, yet so impactful! Fill it out here!
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Meeting in a Box: Host your own meeting with the easy-to-use Meeting in a Box!
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6 Community Meetings: With childcare, snacks and Spanish materials/interpretation! Dates and times here.
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Ward Meetings: Check if yours will feature Envision Evanston 2045.
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Email us: Questions, suggestions, or big ideas? Let us know!
 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.
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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