Over the past several months, we have witnessed a level of devastation among our neighborhood small businesses unlike anything we’ve seen before. Foot traffic and sales have dropped. Many businesses are operating with limited staff. For business owners, every single day has become a test of strength, resilience, and resourcefulness.

That is why the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched a microgrant program, an immediate and focused effort to raise funds that will be distributed directly to the businesses in our community that need help now. These grants will provide a much-needed boost to help cover rent, pay employees, or replenish essential inventory.

Impacted businesses may include:

• Brick-and-mortar shops facing reduced foot traffic
• Seasonal construction or landscaping businesses whose workforce and schedules have been disrupted

Thanks to the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, the IHCC Foundation is excited to offer 52 grants of $5,000 each to affected small businesses, dispersed in 3 phases of funding. Each phase will focus on specific communities throughout the Chicagoland area to equitably disperse funds throughout affected areas. 

Stay tuned for the dates and communities for the next funding phase.