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.
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?
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71st from Kimbark Ave. to South Shore Drive
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Stony Island 67th to 73rd on the Eastside
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Stony Island 67th to 79th on the Westside
NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Business Plan Development
- Site Location Selection Assistance
- Business Loan Preparation Assistance
- Technical Assistance
- The City of Chicago Licensing & Permit Requirements
South Shore Chamber of Commerce Initiatives
Corridor Live! South Shore
The South Shore Community Development Corporation is proud to present Corridor Live! South Shore. This comprehensive corridor development strategy outlines a bold vision for a vibrant economic and cultural district that serves current South Shore residents, welcomes future residents, and attracts visitors from across the city.
Grounded in community priorities and equitable development principles, this strategy focuses on strengthening neighborhood assets, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating a thriving commercial environment along the corridor.
Key components of the plan include:
Community Wealth Building
Long-Term Acquisition
Short-Term Stabilization
Façade Enhancements
Storefront Signage
Corridor Branding & Identity
Land Use & Zoning
Together, these strategies position South Shore as a dynamic destination for commerce, culture, and community life.
For more information about this plan and how you can get involved please email us at info@southshorechamberinc.org
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
