West Side Forward Chicago

10/08/2026

Check out this week's resources list for Illinois residents, job seekers, and entrepreneurs! Read the Resource List here: https://www.westsideforward.org/blog/resource-list-october-7-2026

We post a weekly resource list featuring key opportunities in Illinois. The Resource List includes workshops, cohorts, career and funding opportunities, and more. Check out this w

10/06/2026

10/02/2026

There's a second chance to participate in one of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection's amazing grant programs!

DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Neighborhood Market Grant Program supports food entrepreneurs and food-focused organizations in communities working to increase access to fresh, healthy and affordable food.

Learn more and apply by Oct. 5 at 5pm: Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan

09/30/2026

Coming soon: Season 4 of 'Behind the Business License', BACP's TV show detailing a real business owner sharing their experiences of working with the City of Chicago & their local business service organization.

Learn more and catch up on Seasons 1-3 now: Chicago.gov/BTBL

09/30/2026

Don't miss the final of the year this Friday, October 2 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Daley Plaza.

Mark your calendars: The final of 2026 takes place this Friday, October 2nd, from 11am to 3pm at Daley Plaza. See you there!

09/30/2026

Today's the last day of the DFSS September Food Box Program.

⏰1:00 PM
📍Southeast Regional Senior Center – 1767 East 79th, 60649

This programs provides free food boxes containing fresh produce, frozen meats, and pantry staples to older adults age 60+.

📢 DFSS September Food Box Program Ends TOMORROW!

In partnership with Top Box Foods, the Chicago Senior Services Division of DFSS is providing free food boxes containing fresh produce, frozen meats, and pantry staples to older adults age 60+.

We want to ensure our seniors have access to fresh, nutritious food. Ending TOMORROW (September 30th), distributions have been happening all this month at regional senior centers across the city.

✅ Remaining Distribution Schedule:

📌 TOMORROW, Sept 30th | 1:00 PM
Southeast Regional Senior Center – 1767 East 79th, 60649

Please Note: Boxes are distributed to older adults age 60+. Supplies are limited.

Help us look out for our neighbors—please share this post with a senior or a caregiver who could benefit from this resource! ❤️

09/30/2026

Check out these upcoming events happening on Chicago's West Side!

09/24/2026

❗FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: The September 2026 application cycle for the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) is open for 107th/Halsted, Fullerton/Milwaukee, LaSalle Central, Madison/Austin, and Woodlawn. Through SBIF, small business and property owners may be eligible to receive reimbursement grants for permanent building improvements and repairs. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM. Learn more or apply here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/small-business-improvement-fund/home.html

The Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) provides grant funding for permanent building improvements and repairs across the city.

09/22/2026

❗FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Apply by this Friday, September 25 for The Neighborhood Market Grant Program, presented by the Chicago BACP and Allies for Community Business. This program will provide one-time grants to small retail food businesses operating a physical storefront in priority geographies across Chicago. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 25 at 12:00 PM CST. Learn more or apply here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/bacp-recovery-plan/home/neighborhoodmarketgrantprogram.html

The Neighborhood Market Grant Program supports food entrepreneurs and food-focused organizations in communities working to increase access to fresh, healthy and affordable food. Developed through multi-year research and extensive community collaboration, the program reflects the insights and priorit...

09/10/2026

September Newsletter 2026 | Resources For Your Business + Career

☑️DFSS Senior Services Food Box Program
☑️Open House Chicago
☑️Resource Fairs
☑️Funding Opportunities
☑️Austin POWER 5K
☑️Internship Opportunities

Read the newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/westsideforward.org/sept2026-newsletter

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