Programs & Initiatives

We Mean Business

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce strengthens and supports our business corridors and small businesses, by empowering our members with effective training, technical assistance and access to private sector and governmental resources. 

With a focus on attracting new and diverse businesses, we engage all stakeholders to improve the overall quality of life in South Shore.

With a focus on attracting new and diverse businesses, we engage all stakeholders to improve the overall quality of life in South Shore.

Programs we offer in the South Shore Chamber of Commerce

  • MWBE Certifications
  • Business Builders 12 Week Cohort
  • Entrepreneur Cafe
  • Special Service Area #42 (SSA #42)
  • Neighborhood Development Center

We help implement the City’s Neighborhood Small Business Growth Strategy. As a Neighborhood Development Center, we can assist with:

  • Information about a particular neighborhood Starting a new business
  • Troubleshooting City-related issues for small businesses
  • Connecting businesses to financial resources
  • Business-to-business networking opportunities
  • Consumer marketing assistance
  • Connecting your business to the local community

South Shore Chamber of Commerce Programs

MWBE CERTIFICATIONS

This program opens the door for more opportunities. An MWVBE certification allows you to work with larger firms actively seeking the participation of qualified minority firms. If your business is 51% minority owned, operated and controlled you may qualify for this certification.

The South Shore Chamber of Commerce will help you navigate through the paperwork and submit your application directly to the city and county. This free workshop meets each month and one-on-one consultation is also available with our MWVBE Program Coordinator.

The Artisan Collective

The Artisan Collective of The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is a vibrant retail space opportunity for South Shore Chamber Members to sell their product/service to the South Shore Community.  The Artisan Collective has been successful in boosting participating brand’s awareness and growth.

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SSA #42

SSA #42 provides enhanced services along 71st St. and Stony Island Ave, in addition to those offered by the City of Chicago.

Special Service Area #42 is proud to release Requests for Proposals for the following services: Snow Removal, Litter Abatement, Landscaping, Security and Auditor Services. The contract period is for January 1 through December 31, 2021. Please click here to download all RFPs. SSA #42 (Special Service Area #42) is the local business district that funds the expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within a contiguous area. The South Shore Chamber of Commerce is the proud service provider of SSA #42.
WHAT IS A SPECIAL SERVICE AREA?
Special Service Areas are localized tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within a contiguous area. The enhanced services are in addition to those currently provided
through the city.
Special Service Area #42 is the result of the effort of 5th ward Alderman Leslie A. Hairston and South Shore Chamber Economic Development, Inc.
SSA #42 Boundaries
  • 71st from Kimbark Ave. to South Shore Drive
  • Stony Island 67th to 73rd on the Eastside
  • Stony Island 67th to 79th on the Westside
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NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The NBDC program provides grants to Chicago-based non-profit chambers of commerce and business support organizations to assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services.  The South Shore Chamber of Commerce has been selected to help small businesses connect to The City of Chicago resources. As a selected NBDC site, we assist businesses, property owners and entrepreneurs with:
  • Business Plan Development
  • Site Location Selection Assistance
  • Business Loan Preparation Assistance
  • Technical Assistance 
  • The City of Chicago Licensing & Permit Requirements
 
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South Shore Chamber of Commerce Initiatives

THE QUALITY OF LIFE PLAN

Funded by LISC, the South Shore community was selected to create a bottom-up, comprehensive community planning effort in which LISC supports the development of a Quality-of-Life Plan (QLP) by community leaders and residents of South Shore. The South Shore Chamber Community Development Corporation was designated the fiscal and convening agency to bring together a diverse group of organizations and residents to identify priorities ranging from better education, housing, broader job choices, safer streets, new economic opportunities and stronger personal finances. Other collaborating entities include The Neighborhood Network Alliance and South Shore Works. LISC invests in, coaches and champions each effort from the earliest building of local relationships, through plan creation, implementation and continual evaluation. To get involved contact us at info@southshorechamberinc.org