MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON ISSUES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR SMALL BUSINESS CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Small Business Capacity Building Program. Through this RFP, the City will select one organization to serve as the administrator of the $3.5M Small Business Capacity Building Program. This organization is expected to design and implement a comprehensive capacity building program for small businesses. This includes conducting assessments, providing customized coaching and offering access to professional service consultations in areas like legal, finance, marketing and human resources. This program is fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is part of Mayor Johnson’s Road to Recovery Plan via the Small Business Support initiative.
Voice Cloning, Deepfake Images, Generative AI – Oh My!
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is issuing a warning to Illinois residents that scammers are leveraging new sophisticated technology to gain access to personal information and financial accounts.
Nicor Gas highlights the importance of safety and preparedness during National Preparedness Month
Nicor Gas is joining the nationwide observance of National Preparedness Month this September. With a commitment to the safety and well-being of our customers and communities, Nicor Gas is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
Living Fresh Market in Forest Park to Close on Mondays
In a sincere alignment with their religious principles of placing faith before profits, the operators of Living Fresh Market, one of the nation’s largest independently owned supermarkets located in this community five miles west of Chicago, announced today that they are closing the store on Mondays.
Dream Exchange Founder Address Black Business Leaders in Exclusive Fireside Chat at The Heritage Club
Dream Exchange, the first minority-controlled stock exchange, in formation, is proud to announce an exclusive fireside chat that featured its Founder and CEO, Joe Cecala, and Managing Member of DX Capital Partners, LLC, Dwain Kyles. The event took place at The Heritage Club in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 14th, 2024, bringing together a distinguished audience of black investors, local business owners, corporate C-suite executives, and entrepreneurs.
13th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families, Voters Rights and Opportunities Highlights Violence Prevention and Peace Circles
Stopping Violence, strengthening families, protecting voters rights and developing ‘Opportunities as Alternatives to Violence’, are goals of the 13th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families, Voting Rights and Opportunities.
"PAINT THE POLLS" INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES ROBUST SCHEDULE OF VIRTUAL EVENTS LEADING UP TO U.S. ELECTION DAY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The Sundial Group of Companies — which includes ESSENCE, the Global Black Economic Forum, Girls United, AfroPunk, BeautyCon, Refinery29, and New Voices Foundation — announced a robust schedule of virtual events for the next two months leading up to Election Day under its voter education town hall series titled "Paint the Polls Black." Now that the conventions have concluded, the collective work to educate, register, mobilize and protect the community's freedom to vote takes center stage. The Paint the Polls initiative will host a series of virtual town halls on issues that range from helping voters understand how the key policy issues impact their daily lives to ensuring that voters are prepared to confront any potential challenges when casting a vote. The inaugural Paint the Polls 2024 event attracted more than 200,000 people and provided useful information to help voters navigate this election.
Feed the Soul Foundation Awards $850,000 to Marginalized Culinary Businesses through Restaurant Business Development Grant Program
According to the National Restaurant Association's 2024 State of the Industry report, 98 percent of culinary business owners say higher labor and operations costs are an issue for their restaurant, 97 percent cite food inflation as a challenge, and 38 percent expressed their restaurants were not profitable in 2023.
Mammoth Life and Reinsurance Company Partners with The Marathon Group to Place $1 Billion in Life Insurance Benefits in Communities of Color
Mammoth Life and Reinsurance Company, a leading provider of life insurance solutions, announced a strategic and exclusive partnership with The Marathon Group to place $1 billion in life insurance benefits in communities of color. This groundbreaking initiative will provide essential financial protection to underserved families and individuals across the United States.
American Liver Foundation Hosts National Legacy Gala Honoring Leaders in Liver Health
The American Liver Foundation's (ALF) National Legacy Gala will host patients and families, thoughts leaders, leading medical professionals, business visionaries and organizational partners celebrating those who have made a significant impact on the liver community, Monday, October 7, 2024 at Gotham Hall in New York City all to raise awareness and funds for those affected by liver disease. Al B. Sure!, Mount Vernon, NY native, legendary multi-platinum R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and proud recipient of a successful liver transplant will receive the Transplant Trailblazer Award recognizing his role in advancing health equity in transplantation as the founder of The Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC).
Mother-Son Duo Elevates Black Excellence with Launch of Maneuver Men's Grooming at Holt Renfrew
The dynamic mother-son duo behind Maneuver Men is proud to announce the launch of their luxury men's grooming product line at three of Holt Renfrew's flagship locations: The Yorkdale Mall, Square One Mall, and Bloor Street. This milestone represents a significant achievement for Maneuver, offering an exclusive opportunity for customers to experience a premium self-care regimen that promotes both well-being and confidence. Maneuver launched in Holt Renfrew on September 1st, 2024.
Old Navy Celebrates 30 Years of Inviting Everyone to Play with Style
For 30 years, Old Navy has been woven into the fabric of America, uniting generations with iconic products and memorable fashion moments. In celebration of the brand's anniversary, we're inviting everyone to come play with style by bringing back and modernizing some of our greatest hits from the '90s, reconnecting with longtime fans, and welcoming new tastemakers into the brand.
Jacky Clark-Chisholm Premieres New Music Video 'Greatest Part of Me'
Jacky Clark-Chisholm premieres her new music video and single, ‘Greatest Part of Me,’ from her acclaimed solo album ‘Jacky?’. Chisholm, a 4x Grammy® Award winner (including a Lifetime Achievement Award), NAACP Image Award, Stellar Award, and Dove Award-winning artist, steps fully into her solo spotlight with this release, marking her second solo album in a career spanning five decades as a member of the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters.
New CCAO data map explores impact of affordable housing program
The Cook County Assessor’s Office released new data exploring the impact of a flagship affordable housing program during its first two years of administration.
Athletes, Artists, Volunteers and More Join Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote to Register Thousands of Voters Across the Country
When We All Vote, Michelle Obama’s national, nonpartisan voting initiative, kicked off their National Voter Registration Week of Action to get thousands of Americans registered and ready to vote. With less than 50 days until Election Day and some states’ voter registration deadlines approaching in early October, When We All Vote is turning National Voter Registration Day on September 17 into an entire Week of Action from September 16-22. In addition to events and activations throughout the week, volunteers will host 100 voter registration drives across the country to get their communities registered.
UNCF CHICAGO RAISES MORE THAN $100,000 AT THE 41ST ANNUAL WALK FOR EDUCATION
More than 1200 supporters attended when UNCF (United Negro College Fund) held its 41st Annual Walk for Education recently along Chicago’s lakefront at South DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 39th Street in Burnham Park. The event raised more than $100,000 and the donation link to the Chicago Walk remains open through Sept. 30.
Kidney Coach Wants To Create Healthy Communities
Peggy Riggins believes a person’s health is personal and that a personalized approach to health is important. She created the Kidney Party Project as a fun, festive way for people to get more excited about taking their health into their own hands. She likes to say, “give yourself to yourself before you give yourself away.”
Step Afrika! Premieres Work Based On The Migration Of African Americans
Artist Jacob Lawrence’s “The Migration Series” is the inspiration behind Step Afrika!’s “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.” The series depicts the story of African Americans from the South and their Great Migration to the North. The Migration uses motifs, images and colors from Lawrence’s series to bring it to life on stage, with dance and vocals.
Black Arts Month Celebrates The Work And Contributions Of Black Artists In Chicago
The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) is gearing up for Black Arts Month, which will take place in October. The goal of Black Arts Month is to center Black artists in Chicago and their contributions to the arts and cultural sector in the city and all over the world.
