FinBiz

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

We are guided by the belief that creativity, sustainable living, and diverse industry position Ravenswood as a destination neighborhood. We create programs and provide services that connect the dots between businesses, residents, non-profit organizations, local government and area schools.

Websitehttps://ravenswoodchicago.org
Address1770 West Berteau Ave, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone(773) 975-2088
Emailamy@ravenswoodchicago.org
Service areaChicago
ServesSmall businesses / entrepreneurs

Published services 21

Every service below comes with a passage taken word for word from the organisation's own website, and the link to the page that carries it. That is the directory's guarantee: nothing is published without its source.

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (association)

Geographically Based

GRCC is the neighborhood chamber of commerce for Greater Ravenswood, representing over 350 local businesses and organizations.

GRCC connects, supports, and empowers businesses in Ravenswood.

Special Service Area #31 (SSA #31) Management

Economic DevelopmentGeographically BasedRevitalization

GRCC manages the SSA #31 local tax district, delivering expanded services such as snow removal, litter removal, and facade rebates to businesses along the corridor.

Established in 2008, the Greater Ravenswood Special Service Area (SSA #31) provides special programs for areas of Clark Street, Damen Avenue, Irving Park Road, Lawrence Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Wilson Avenue, and the Ravenswood Corridor.

Industrial Corridor Snow Removal

Revitalization

As part of SSA #31, GRCC provides expanded snow and litter removal services in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.

Expanded city services include snow removal, litter removal, facade rebates, and much more.

Neighborhood Banner Program

Advertising

A branded street pole banner advertising program offered by GRCC to give member businesses prime community visibility.

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce’s Neighborhood Banner Program offers businesses prime visibility and connects their organizations to the community.

Manufacturing & Local Industry Support (LIRI services)

Manufacturing Development

GRCC provides enhanced services to manufacturers and makers in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor as a delivery partner in the City's Local Industrial Retention Initiative.

we have participated in the Department of Planning and Development’s Local Industrial Retention Initiative by providing enhanced services for manufacturers located in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor and across Chicago’s north east sector.

Malt Row Committee

Industry Specific

An industry-specific committee of craft beverage industry leaders convened quarterly by GRCC to discuss collaboration and shared resources.

To further understand the needs of this industry, we formed a Malt Row Committee that gathers quarterly.

Malt Row Brewery Guide

Advertising

An annual printed guide published by GRCC promoting Ravenswood's craft beverage producers to increase neighborhood tourism.

For Illinois Craft Beer Week, we publish 10,000 copies of our Malt Row Brewery Guide, a vital tool in increasing neighborhood tourism in Ravenswood.

Corridor Infrastructure Assessments

Economic Development

GRCC staff conduct periodic surveys of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor to identify infrastructure needs and report them to City partners.

Several times a year, GRCC’s staff surveys the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor to identify infrastucture needs and issues.

Manufacturing Space Referrals / Industrial Vacancy Database

Site Location Assistance

GRCC maintains its own database of available M-zoned industrial space and assists companies in finding appropriately zoned space to grow in Ravenswood.

We actively maintain an Industrial Vacancy Database, including information about available M-zoned space in Ravenswood.

Business Resources Compilation

Business Research Resources

GRCC curates and maintains a compiled resource page connecting business owners to local, City, and Ward-level resources.

Our Business Resources page connects you with local resources, City of Chicago departmental resources, and neighborhood and Ward information.

Business-to-Business Referral Program

Small Business/General

GRCC provides personalized introductions between members through its own business-to-business referral program.

Strategic, personalized introductions to fellow chamber members through our business-to-business referral program

Industrial & Manufacturing Business Committee

City Business Issues

A GRCC advisory committee that assesses industrial business needs and trends and advises the City of Chicago.

This group serves as an advisory committee to the City of Chicago and helps assess the critical needs, challenges, and trends of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.

Zoning & Development Committee

City Business Issues

A GRCC committee that monitors zoning issues and prepares written statements to the Alderman's office on behalf of businesses.

Members monitor zoning issues in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor and community at large, attending community meetings, reviewing proposals, and preparing written statements for the Alderman’s office.

Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program

Grant Funding ProvidersRevitalization

GRCC and SSA #31 offer a rebate covering up to 50% (max $5,000) of costs for local businesses and property owners to upgrade, preserve, or restore their storefronts.

The Ravenswood Façade Rebate Program provides funding to local businesses and property owners to improve the appearance of their storefronts.

Public Art & Mural Program

Revitalization

GRCC and SSA #31 fund, organize, or support murals, sculptures, and other public art installations including the Ravenswood Sculpture Garden.

Together, the Ravenswood Community Council, Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and SSA #31 have brought a variety of permanent and temporary works of public art to to our neighborhood.

Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program

Grant Funding Providers

GRCC and SSA #31 provide a one-time rebate of up to 100% of costs (max $1,000) for businesses and property owners installing or upgrading security cameras to deter crime.

The Ravenswood Security Camera Rebate Program helps local small businesses and property owners install new or upgraded security cameras.

Landscaping & Neighborhood Beautification

Revitalization

SSA 31 contracts landscaping, holiday decorations, litter removal, and sidewalk sweeping services (including via Cleanslate crews) to beautify the Ravenswood commercial corridors.

SSA 31 provides and maintains a variety of landscaping elements along our streets.

Ravenswood People Spaces Project

Revitalization

GRCC designed and built four permanent placemaking installations along Ravenswood's commercial corridors intended to support local businesses and draw visitors.

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) and Special Service Area (SSA) #31 created a series of permanent "People Spaces" in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Neighborhood Business Development Center (Licensing & Regulatory Assistance)

Economic DevelopmentRegistration, Licenses and Permits

As a designated Neighborhood Business Development Center, GRCC offers free one-on-one support to business owners navigating City of Chicago licensing, permitting, and regulatory processes.

the GRCC provides free assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs navigating City of Chicago licensing, permitting, and other regulatory processes

Business Networking & Educational Events (GRCC)

Small Business/General

GRCC's own ongoing program of educational workshops and networking events for the local business community, with free or discounted member access.

GRCC hosts educational workshops and networking events in support of our local business community.

Sponsorship & Advertising / Marketing Programs

Advertising

GRCC-run marketing and event sponsorship/advertising opportunities connecting businesses with the Ravenswood community.

Connect with Ravenswood neighbors through our marketing programs - learn about event