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Business Resources

Whether your business is just getting started or well established, the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is here to help!

Do Business

Resources for New and Established Businesses

Team Photo: Christine, Amy, Grace and Gene

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Ravenswood Corridor

Special Service Area #31

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce can help you:

  • Start or open a business in Ravenswood
  • Access Chamber and City educational and funding resources
  • Navigate City Hall and troubleshoot City-related issues
  • Plan and promote your event or business in Ravenswood
  • Get affordable group health insurance for your small business
  • Connect you to the community through business-to-business networking
  • Find resources for employment and workforce development

Get in touch with our office if you have any specific questions or requests. We are happy to assist you!

Resources For Business Owners

Know Your Rights: Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees

Businesses and employees throughout Ravenswood play a vital role in fostering an inclusive community that upholds the rights of immigrants and refugees.

Chicago’s Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) collaborates with local organizations to provide resources and support for the city’s diverse immigrant and refugee populations. In light of recent actions taken by the federal government, here are some critical resources for immigrants, refugees, and those seeking to protect immigrant and refugee rights:

The GRCC recognizes that it falls on all Chicagoans to uphold and defend the rights of our neighbors no matter their country of origin or immigration status.

Cook County Small Businesses Source

The Source is Cook County’s go-to network for small business support, connecting entrepreneurs with expert guidance and resources to fuel growth and success at every stage of their journey.

Cook County Small Businesses Source logo

The GRCC is proud to be partnered with The Source to connect small businesses in the Ravenswood area with comprehensive, free-to-use tools designed to empower long-term success at every step, including:

Labor Standards

Managing employees for the first time is daunting. The City of Chicago has different rules than the State of Illinois and understanding them is vital for your business!

Ward Information

Ravenswood is served by three alderpersons. As a small business, you’ll most likely have to work with the Alderman and their staff on issues like licensing and zoning. Learn more about the Alders and their wards:

City of Chicago, Departmental Resources

Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

Just about everything small business-related in Chicago goes through the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP). Through BACP, you can:

BACP also offers a Restaurant Start-Up Program, making it easier for you to open a restaurant in the city.

Department of Planning and Development

For small businesses, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) oversees issues related to zoning, land use, real estate development, historic preservation, and much more. Through DPD, you can:

Other City and County Resources

State and Government Business Resources

For most small businesses in Chicago, issues usually arise at the city or count common issues are usually resolved at the city or county level. However, sometimes there are just some things that need to be addressed at the state or federal level. Learn more about the various Illinois and Federal departments that might be relevant to you.

Going Green

Resources for Operating a Sustainable, Environmentally Responsible Small Business

The Ravenswood community is extremely sustainably-minded and so are many of our small businesses! Whether through implementing a reusable foodware program, engaging in commercial composting, or refitting their buildings with energy efficient lighting, there are a number of ways local businesses can lower costs and lessen your impact on our environment.

Chart Reuse is a foodware reuse analytics platform designed specifically for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Their online software can help you explore what it would cost for your business to transition away from disposables to a reuse/refill alternative. Click here to visit their website.

Plastic Free Restaurants helps eliminate petroleum-based, single-use plastic from restaurants and schools by subsidizing the purchase of reusable replacements. Their website is also loaded with useful resources for sustainability-minded businesses. Click here to learn about their subsidy program.

Composting is one of the most significant ways to reduce your business’ waste footprint. While the City of Chicago does not currently offer municipal composting, there are several excellent local commercial composting services, including:

  • Chicago Environmentalists – This local group shares resources for businesses, including this guide to Making Your Office More Sustainable.
  • EcoShip Chicago – EcoShip combats waste and promotes sustainable business practices by collecting gently used shipping materials and distributing them to businesses that can reuse them.
  • Forever Ware – Forever Ware offers reusable beverage and takeout containers to businesses across Chicago (including some right here in Ravenswood!).
  • Verde Energy Efficiency Solutions – Verde helps businesses save money by replacing outdated, inefficient methods and hardware with modern, efficient solutions.

Connecting business and community.

Become a GRCC Member

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) is committed to building a Ravenswood that connects business and community, one member at a time.

Join Us!

Check out the benefits of membership here.