Our Blog:
Happening in Lakeview
and Roscoe Village
5 Ways Local Businesses Can Attract Top Employees
When you're the owner of a local small business, the idea of hiring employees is likely an even mix of excitement and anxiety. The employees you hire represent the face of your business, and when you're a small business one bad employee can seriously impact your reputation. This is why it's so important you not only hire employees but ones that align with your business goals and will help your business to grow.
Shop New Fall Items on the Lakeview Roscoe Village Online Marketplace
New fall items have been added to the Lakeview Roscoe Village Online Marketplace! Shop candles, shoes, fashion, home decor and more from local small businesses all in one convenient online location! Thank you to our online marketplace sponsors, Leigh Marcus and Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
Ghostly Gus Scavenger Hunt Runs Through This Sat, 10/30!
Dress up and celebrate Halloween in Roscoe Village with the Ghostly Gus Scavenger Hunt happening from Sun, Oct. 24 - Sat, Oct. 30! Find Ghostly Gus in storefront windows to complete our scavenger hunt sheet and stop inside businesses along the way to get a treat! Submit your scavenger hunt sheet for your chance to win a Lakeview Roscoe Village Gift Card or goodie bag from Byline Bank!
Last Chance to Complete Our Community & Business Survey
We want to hear your thoughts about the West Lakeview and Roscoe Village neighborhoods. What are the community’s greatest needs? What kinds of businesses are lacking or do local consumers want more of? How are local businesses performing? Your feedback will help the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber better understand the issues facing our businesses and community, so we can better serve the neighborhood. Take the survey today!
Take the Roscoe Village Farmers Market Community Survey
We had an incredible opening season of the Roscoe Village Farmers Market! Did you shop the market this year? We want to hear your feedback! Fill out our customer survey and let us know your thoughts.
Watch Recordings of Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Series for small businesses
As part of the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in 2021, we partnered with sr4 to host a virtual four-part training series for small business owners looking to incorporate DEI into their business model and workplace. While the series has concluded, you can watch recordings of each session. Read on for a list of topics we covered and links to recordings.
RVN’s Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party is This Saturday!
Celebrate the season in a safe, outdoor, family-oriented environment on Roscoe St this Saturday from 12-4pm. Wear your costume and join RVN for Halloween-themed activities, a live DJ and more! Enjoy food and beverages at the Roscoe Village Streetery or visit nearby restaurants in Roscoe Village and be sure to check out the Cider & Donut Stand at John’s Place! While you’re in the neighborhood, stop into local boutiques to shop their fall collections and pick up some new pieces for November!
We Will Chicago Wants Your Input!
We Will Chicago is seeking the public's input on a series of questions drafted over the past several weeks. Your responses to these questions will help shape the policy recommendations included in the citywide plan. Visit WeWillChicago.com to share your thoughts.
Applications Open: Chi Biz Strong Grants Program and Outdoor Dining Grants Program
The City of Chicago recently announced the Chi Biz Strong Grants Program and Outdoor Dining Grants Program, which will provide over $20 million in grants to Chicago’s small businesses and nonprofit organizations.
The Chi Biz Strong Grant Program will provide grants of $5,000 or $10,000, based on annual revenue, to small business and nonprofit organizations throughout Chicago that have been adversely impacted by COVID-19 from lost revenue or increased costs.
Introducing the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR) Program
Verizon is proud to introduce the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program: a free online curriculum designed to give small businesses the tools needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Business Spotlight - Capital One Cafe
Meet the team at Capital One Café on Southport Ave, a community hub where anyone is welcome to come in and enjoy the space. They even offer free financial planning programs to help you build a plan to achieve your goals in life. Read our interview to find out some fun facts you may not know about the cafe and some of the team’s favorite local spots!
Preparing for the Holiday Season
While many consumers complain about “Christmas creep” (holiday messages and displays increasingly showing up in October, it’s never too early for small businesses—especially retailers, including online merchants to prepare.
11 Sales Techniques to Help Grow Your Small Business
To help small business owners create sales techniques to grow their business, we’ve compiled a list of the best insights from small business owners and business leaders. From leveraging automation for tasks to curating a virtual event, there are several approaches that may help you build and grow your small business for years to come.
Curtains are Rising in the Belmont Theater District
After being closed for more than a year, numerous theaters in the Belmont Theater District have reopened. More than a dozen shows, including long-running musicals, new plays, and several productions that began previews before the pandemic, but had not yet made it to opening night, have announced their plans. Below is a preview of announced performances with links to purchase tickets. For a full list of events and shows, visit www.btdchicago.com.
Roscoe Village Farmers Market Season Ends This Sunday!
We can’t believe we have already come to the end of the Roscoe Village Farmers Market season with the final market date taking place this Sunday, 10/17. We’re looking back to our ribbon cutting ceremony on opening day and feeling so grateful for everyone who has supported our market in its first season. From our vendors and shoppers to our volunteers and local partners, thank you for making this first year a success! Be sure to stop by this Sunday from 9am - 1pm at Jahn Elementary School to celebrate the final market of the season and stock up on all the delicious fall produce and foods from your favorite vendors!
Trick or Treat on Southport On Mon, Oct. 25
Trick or Treat on Southport takes place on Monday, Oct. 25 from 4-8pm on Southport Ave from Roscoe to Addison and Waveland to Grace. This program features family-friendly activities, food, craft beer, a pumpkin patch, music and trick-or-treating (while supplies last) at local businesses. Thank you to our event sponsors, Capital One Café, Corridor Brewery & Provisions, Pioneer Realty Group, JJ Nate Real Estate & Mgmt, and Bishop Image Group.
Staffing Announcement: Executive Director
We are pleased to share that the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce has named Becca Girsch as our new Executive Director. In this role, Becca will be responsible for providing vision, direction, and leadership to the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber as well as its partners, Special Service Area 27 (SSA 27) and Friends of Lakeview.
National Women’s Small Business Month
Did you know that October is National Women's Small Business Month? We are lucky to have so many wonderful women-owned small businesses in Lakeview and Roscoe Village providing services to our community and sharing their passions with us. We put together a list of just some of the local women-owned small businesses that you can check out this month. Make plans to support your favorites and visit at least one new business you’ve never been into before. You can even grab a friend and make a whole day of it!
Business Spotlight - The Sill
Meet Brittney Ross, Shop Manager at The Sill located in the Southport Corridor. Read our interview with Brittany to learn what she loves most about running the store and some of her favorite nearby businesses.
National Women’s Small Business Month
Did you know that October is National Women's Small Business Month? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources to help women entrepreneurs start, grow, expand and recover businesses. Connect with the training and funding opportunities below that are specifically for women.
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