From Neighborhood Staples to Emerging Brands

Chicago Stars Awards Returns: Chicago Treasurer’s Office launches 2026 nominations to spotlight the small businesses driving neighborhood investment, local spending, and economic growth across the cit
City of Chicago Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin. Photo Courtesy of the Treasurer Office.
City of Chicago Treasurer, Melissa Conyears-Ervin. Photo Courtesy of the Treasurer Office.

From Neighborhood Staples to Emerging Brands

Chicago Stars Awards Returns: Chicago Treasurer’s Office launches 2026 nominations to spotlight the small businesses driving neighborhood investment, local spending, and economic growth across the city


CHICAGO –As Chicago neighborhoods continue prioritizing local economic growth and community investment, the Office of Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is proud to announce the return of the Chicago Stars Awards (CSA), a citywide initiative created to celebrate and support the entrepreneurs, storefronts, and emerging brands helping shape the future of Chicago’s economy. Nominations for the 2026 Chicago Stars Awards cohort officially open June 1, 2026, and will remain open through August 1, 2026.

Chicago residents are encouraged to nominate the businesses they believe are helping shape the future of their neighborhoods through entrepreneurship, innovation, community leadership, and local investment. Chicago is home to one of the country’s most diverse small business ecosystems, with neighborhood entrepreneurs playing a critical role in preserving culture, creating jobs, activating commercial corridors, and strengthening local economies. From Bronzeville and Chatham to Little Village, Austin, and Rogers Park, small businesses continue serving as the foundation of community growth and neighborhood identity across the city. At a time when many entrepreneurs continue navigating rising operating costs, changing consumer habits, and economic uncertainty, the Chicago Stars Awards aims to encourage residents to intentionally support local businesses and keep dollars circulating within Chicago communities.

Since launching the initiative, the Chicago Stars Awards and Chicago Star Directory have highlighted 97 small businesses from across Chicago neighborhoods — from family-owned restaurants and legacy retail stores to beauty brands, wellness businesses, creatives, service providers, and emerging entrepreneurs helping define the city’s next generation of economic growth. The initiative was created to recognize businesses while increasing visibility and expanding access to growth opportunities for entrepreneurs. Through digital promotion, press amplification, community storytelling, and business resource connections, the Chicago Stars Awards continues to serve as a platform designed to elevate local businesses beyond their neighborhoods and into wider citywide recognition. The initiative has also helped increase visibility for local entrepreneurs through digital and community storytelling efforts that encourage Chicagoans to shop local, discover neighborhood businesses, and invest back into the communities that help drive the city’s economy.

“Small businesses are one of the strongest drivers of economic opportunity in our city,” said Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. “When we invest in neighborhood businesses, we invest in jobs, culture, innovation, and the long-term health of Chicago communities. The Chicago Stars Awards was created to make sure these entrepreneurs are seen, supported, and celebrated while encouraging Chicagoans to continue investing back into the neighborhoods that make our city thrive.”

Businesses selected for the 2026 Chicago Stars Awards cohort will receive: Recognition during a special Chicago Stars Awards Ceremony

•       A custom award and certificate from the Office of the Chicago City Treasurer

•       Promotion through the Treasurer’s Office social media platforms, newsletter, and press outreach

•       Access to networking opportunities and business development resources

•       A subscription to the Chicago Star Business Brief, featuring grants, expert advice, and tools designed to support business growth

Over the years, the Chicago Stars Awards has become an important platform for connecting local entrepreneurs to increased visibility while highlighting the diversity, creativity, and innovation that exists across Chicago’s business community.

The initiative also reflects the Treasurer’s Office’s broader commitment to financial empowerment, equitable economic development, and community-centered investment. Additional promotional campaigns, digital storytelling initiatives, PSA content, and community outreach efforts will roll out throughout the summer to encourage public participation and nominations.

To nominate a business or learn more about the Chicago Stars Awards, visit: Chicago Stars Awards. Explore featured businesses in the Chicago Star Directory.


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